Video Released Of Convicted Felon Ramming Vehicle Into South Windsor PD Entry Gate

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Police have released a surveillance video from a late April incident in which a fleeing driver, later determined to be a convicted felon, crashed his vehicle into the entry gate of police headquarters on Sand Hill Road.

Eliu Claudio, 44, of Hartford, was charged Thursday on a warrant with numerous offenses, including reckless driving, evading responsibility, illegal possession of weapon in a motor vehicle, two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, drinking while driving and several traffic violations. He turned himself in at the police department late Thursday morning, and was released after posting a $50,000 surety bond.

According to a police report, an officer found a vehicle in the middle of Miller Road, near the intersection of Abbe Road, with the driver passed out and an open beer car in the center cup holder. Officers also noticed a firearm with an extended magazine on the front seat. As a convicted felon, Claudio is unable to legally possess a firearm.

Claudio sped away and began driving southbound on Nevers Road, running through a stop sign as he turned onto Sand Hill Road. He then turned his vehicle into the police department driveway and crashed into the entry gate, then backed up and fled onto Sand Hill, refusing to stop for police as he steered his vehicle onto Sullivan Avenue, according to a police report.

A surveillance video of the crash, released Friday morning, is time stamped 4:21 a.m. on April 28.