Man Accused Of Driving Recklessly, Endangering Pedestrians In Naugatuck Parking Lot: PD

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Torrington man accused of driving recklessly and endangering pedestrians while fleeing from officers in a Naugatuck parking lot earlier this year was arrested Sunday on a warrant, according to police.

In a news release, police said they tried to stop a vehicle driving in Naugatuck around 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 that did not have its registration plate properly displayed.

The vehicle pulled into the parking lot of a CVS pharmacy on Bridge Street, according to police.

Further investigation revealed the driver, Angel Mateo, 46, of Torrington, had a suspended operator's license and was unable to produce valid motor vehicle documents, police said.

As officers approached the vehicle to order its three occupants to exit, Mateo drove off recklessly through the parking lot at a high rate of speed, endangering pedestrians in the area, according to police.

Mateo was arrested on a warrant Sunday. He was charged with interfering with an officer and second-degree reckless endangerment, as well as several motor vehicle charges.

He was held on a $55,000 court-set bond and arraigned in court Tuesday, police said.