Vernon Man, 21, Charged In Police Cruiser Crash: Cops

VERNON, CT — A 21-year-old Vernon man faces a slew of charges after a mischief investigation turned into a car chase through Vernon and Manchester last week, police said.

On Thursday, Vernon officers had located the person of interest in a "criminal mischief" complaint at Mr. Sparkle Car Wash (373 Talcottville Road), but the man fled in a car — leading to a chase that ended when he hit a Vernon police cruiser that was stopped at a red light, police said.

The suspect then crashed his car on Taylor Street in Manchester and fled on foot, according to police reports.

He was taken to the hospital for "precautionary measures," police said, and no bystanders or officers were injured in the incident.

Read more: Driver Hits Vernon Police Cruiser Then Crashes In Manchester: PD

Now, police have charged Kiaelon Sheets, 21, of Vernon with first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree threatening, criminal attempt at second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, escape from custody, interfering with an officer, second-degree criminal mischief, failure to obey traffic control signal, failure to drive in the proper lane, reckless driving and speeding.

"The charges stem from an incident where Sheets threatened his landlord and damaged his property on February 10, 2022," officers said in a news release.

Sheets was held in lieu of a $150,000 surety bond, police said. He is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court today.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Vernon Police at 860-872-9126.