Stamford Cop Injured Overnight in Chase [UPDATE]

Update, 11:59 a.m.:

Capt. William Mullen has confirmed the name of the officer injured to be Troy Strauser, 39, father of three children. More infor to come.

Original article:

A Norwalk man led police on a chase through Stamford, Darien and Norwalk after he allegedly beat a man with another suspect earlier in the evening.

Police responded to a robbery and assault call at West Main Street and Diaz Street in Stamford at approximately 1:05 a.m. where a passerby saw two black males beat a Hispanic male, take his wallet and jump into a white MW to escape, according to Stamford authorities.

One of those males would later be identified as Frank O. Douglas, 30, of Lincoln Ave. in Norwalk.

The victim was unable to give officers details of the encounter as he was in need of immediate medical attention.

Police noted a car matching the description of the suspects' vehicle driving along W. Main St. This vehicle attempted to hide in a lot behind an apartment complex at W. Main St. and West Ave., police said.

When officers spotted the vehicle, they allege it took off, leading them on a chase on and off I-95 several time between Exits 9 through 14, according to authorities. They say tire spikes were used to damage the front tires of the vehicle, causing the car to crash at Reed St. and Fairfield Ave. in Norwalk.

One suspect, Douglas, fled the scene on foot and a 36-year-old Stamford police officer gave chase along Reed St. Bridge, police said. At the end of the bridge, the suspect jumped over the structure and dropped 20 feet a wooded area below, police said.

The officer giving chase became airborn and landed on the guard rail below, hitting his face onto the pavement after the drop. He was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated surgically for his injuries, police said.

Douglas continued to run, police said, crawling up the embankment and reaching I-95 on foot, where he encountered both Stamford Police and now Norwalk police. Authorities said he assaulted and choked a Stamford K-9 unit before being subdued.

Douglas has been charged with robbery, assaulting an officer, cruelty to animals, interfering with an officer, engaging in a pursuit and motor vehicle charges. He is being held on $500,000.

Police said a mugshot would be available shortly.

Editor's note: This article by Stamford Patch.