ATV Driver Tried To Run Over Police Officer In ‘Chaotic Event’: West Haven PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — An ATV driver tried to run over a police officer during a street takeover that led to the arrest of three people Sunday night in West Haven, according to police.

Officers patrolling the shore area around 7:10 p.m. on June 22 saw a large group of ATVs and dirt bikes traveling on Captain Thomas Boulevard in a “reckless manner,” according to West Haven Police Sgt. Scott Allard.

“The operators were riding wheelies, speeding, and driving in the wrong lane, putting other motorists at risk,” Allard wrote in a news release. “Officers observed a dirt bike traveling at a high rate of speed with what appeared to be a young juvenile riding on the back. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the operator ignored commands and continued to flee.”

A short time later, Allard said officers were able to get the dirt bike stopped.

“As they attempted to apprehend the juvenile operator he drove the dirt bike directly into the officers’ legs, causing injury,” Allard wrote. “This act was a deliberate attempt to avoid an apprehension. As this incident was unfolding, the large group of ATVs and dirt bikes returned and began circling around the two officers. Despite being outnumbered, the officers remained focused and continued with the apprehension.

“While officers were placing the juvenile into handcuffs, an ATV operator attempted to run over one of our officers. Had she not jumped out of the way, the ATV would have struck her. This was an intentional act due to the fact the ATV had to drive up over a curb to get where the police officers were.”

Allard said a brief pursuit followed and the ATV operator ultimately lost control, struck a parked car, and was taken into custody. The ATV also damaged a West Haven police cruiser, according to Allard.

The person who tried to run over the West Haven police officer was identified as 29-year-old Gabriel Luna of Bridgeport, according to Allard.

“At the scene of this chaotic event, 41-year-old Lindsay Benitez — mother of the juvenile being arrested — appeared visibly upset about the situation,” Allard wrote. “However, further investigation revealed that Lindsay Benitez was the passenger on Gabriel Luna’s ATV when he intentionally attempted to strike a police officer.”

Luna was arrested on charges of second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, operate/parks unregistered motor vehicle, and failure to insure private motor vehicle. He was held on bond and was scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on Monday, according to Allard.

Benitez, of Bridgeport, was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit street takeover and interfering with officer/resisting.

The juvenile was arrested on charges of assault on an officer, conspiracy to commit street takeover, conspiracy to commit first-degree riot, and several motor vehicle charges.

The dirt bike and ATV were impounded, according to Allard.