West Haven Man Drove 126MPH On I-91, Gets Arrested: State Police

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A West Haven man was arrested after police said he was driving 126 mph on I-91 in North Haven on Wednesday morning.

A state trooper, who was working the Aggressive Driving/Fatal Accident Mitigation on I-91 North around 10:10 a.m., saw a white Toyota Camry with New York plates driving at 94 mph in the area of Exit 12 in North Haven, according to Connecticut State Police.

Police said the trooper tried to conduct a traffic stop near Exit 12 but the driver accelerated rapidly and used all lanes of traffic.

“The vehicle drove into the shoulder and gore area of the highway, nearly striking other vehicles in an attempt to elude Troopers,” police wrote in a news release. “It was at this time that the Trooper observed the vehicle reach speeds up to 126 mph. In the interest of public safety, the Trooper deactivated their emergency lights and siren and terminated efforts to pursue the vehicle. The vehicle continued traveling northbound on I-91 at a high rate of speed.

“After obtaining the registration details, and through investigative efforts, Troopers responded to a residence in West Haven, where they spoke with immediate family members of the operator.”

The family members confirmed that the driver was 24-year-old Oliver Thomas of West Haven, according to police.

Police said family members contacted Thomas, who admitted to driving the Toyota and turned himself in around 12:50 p.m.

Thomas was arrested on charges of reckless driving, disobeying a signal of an officer, passing on the right, interfering with an officer/resisting, failure to maintain lane, improper turn, and first-degree reckless endangerment.

Thomas was released after posting a $10,000 bond with a court date of Dec. 20.