WEST HAVEN — A routine patrol turned into a high-speed chase and arrest when West Haven Police officers encountered a stolen vehicle on Sept. 29 at approximately 5:50 p.m.
The incident began when an officer spotted a 2016 Lexus, reported stolen by Stratford Police, traveling north on Forest Road.
An attempt to stop the Lexus resulted in the driver accelerating to evade the police.
Earlier that day, the same vehicle was involved in an assault on a Fairfield police officer, nearly hitting the officer after striking a police cruiser.
The chase continued west on Derby Ave into Orange, where a second officer found the Lexus stopped on the roadside.
Initially thought to be abandoned, the vehicle suddenly sped off when the officer approached, leading the chase back into West Haven.
With the Lexus slowed by traffic, officers successfully deployed “Stop Sticks,” deflating the tires.
The driver tried to flee but lost control and crashed into a pole on Derby Ave.
Two male suspects fled the disabled Lexus on foot, while a juvenile female remained inside.
During the foot pursuit, one male suspect discarded a loaded 9mm “Ghost Gun” before being apprehended by police.
The weapon was later recovered from a wooded area.
The apprehended suspect, Chavis Goldson of New Haven, born on Sept. 16, 2006, faces multiple charges including carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal manufacturing of a firearm, weapon in a motor vehicle, interfering with an officer, larceny of a motor vehicle, engaging officers in pursuit, and risk of injury to a minor.
The second male suspect eluded capture, and the juvenile female was transported to a local hospital for her injuries.
Goldson was processed and held on bond, with a court appearance scheduled for the next day at Milford Superior Court.
