Teen, 18, Threatened Woman, Assaulted Police Officers: West Haven PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — An 18-year-old New Haven resident was arrested Sunday after police said he threatened a woman who had a protective order against him and was found in possession of a gun.

Two officers were injured while taking the suspect into custody, according to Sgt. Scott Allard.

Police responded around 7:50 p.m. on June 15 to Coleman Street on the report of a threatening text message.

Allard said the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Isaiah Burroughs of New Haven, was accused of sending a text message that said he was going to shoot and kill the complainant and then shoot up her apartment.

The complainant also told police that a protective order was in place between the two of them, according to Allard.

“As officers were responding to the Coleman Street address, the suspect’s vehicle was observed entering West Haven from New Haven,” Allard wrote in a news release. “Through strong communication, officers were able to identify and locate the vehicle. A motor vehicle stop was attempted, but the suspect fled, initiating a police pursuit.”

After a brief pursuit, Allard said Burroughs’ vehicle was “made inoperable,” at which point he ran away and led officers in a foot chase.

An officer who remained with Burroughs’ vehicle saw a Glock-style “ghost gun” in plain view, according to Allard.

Allard said the firearm was found to be equipped with a 31-round detachable magazine, which contained 14 rounds, and there was one round in the chamber.

Officers caught up with Burroughs and he was taken into custody after a brief struggle, according to Allard.

“During the struggle, two officers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation,” Allard wrote in the news release. “Both officers are doing well.”

Allard said Burroughs has five active felony warrants in unrelated domestic violence cases.

Burroughs was arrested and charged with interfering with an officer, two counts of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a pistol, carrying a pistol without a permit, weapon inside a motor vehicle, possession of a high-capacity magazine, violation of a protective order, illegal alteration of a firearm markings, possession of an assault weapon, operating motor vehicle without a license, and engaging police in pursuit.

“This case highlights the importance of strong communication between dispatchers, officers, and the community,” Allard wrote. “It led to the apprehension of a dangerous individual who may have been on his way to harm the complainant.

“Excellent job by all involved, and we would like to extend a sincere thank you to the residents who assisted police by providing information or offering something to drink.”