State Cops Charge Driver Who 'Rammed' East Haven Police Car, Fled: PD

EAST HAVEN, CT — State police charged a New Haven man in a stolen car that nearby cops said had a "history of attempting to bait officers into pursuits," after he struck an East Haven police cruiser Oct. 2 during an attempted traffic stop. The man, Robert Andrus, then fled onto I95N, police said, where Connecticut State Police pursued the stolen red Honda Civic.

East Haven police provided this account:

"On October 2, 2024, at approximately 10:02 p.m., officers were notified by East Haven Police Dispatch that a red Honda Civic had failed to stop for a Branford Police Officer. The vehicle, which had a history of attempting to bait officers into pursuits, was confirmed to be a misuse (incorrect license plate on the vehicle) and had been reported as stolen from a different Honda Civic.

At approximately 10:28 p.m., Officer Micah Belcher observed the suspect vehicle near Kimberly Avenue in East Haven and advised other units that it entered the TJ Maxx parking lot on Frontage Road. Officer Robert Celentano located the vehicle exiting the parking lot of Work 'n Gear and positioned his marked police cruiser in front of the suspect vehicle. The suspect, later identified as Andrus, 39, of New Haven, reversed his vehicle and attempted to flee, striking the front passenger side of Officer Celentano’s vehicle.

Despite Officer Celentano issuing verbal commands, Andrus ignored his orders and fled the scene, entering I-95 North. Officers pursued the vehicle briefly but terminated the pursuit because of the reckless nature of the operator.

Shortly after the pursuit was terminated, East Haven Police Dispatch was advised that Connecticut State Police Troopers had located the suspect vehicle near Exit 61 on I-95. The pursuit ended when Andrus crashed his vehicle into a guardrail at Exit 62. Both Andrus and a passenger were taken into custody by Connecticut State Police.

The passenger, who was not charged, sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene before being transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for further evaluation. Andrus refused treatment and was taken to Connecticut State Police Troop F for processing.

Officer Celentano was not injured during this incident."

Andrus was arrested for several charges, from both state police and East Haven police, including:

• Interfering with an Officer
• Reckless Endangerment
• Engaging Police in a Pursuit
• Improper Use of a Marker Plate
• Reckless Driving
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence
• Numerous other motor vehicle violations

The East Haven Police Department is in the process of obtaining an arrest warrant to charge Andrus with additional offenses connected to this incident.

We would like to thank the Connecticut State Police for their swift response and assistance regarding this matter.