West Haven 'Street Racer' Charged After High-Speed Highway Incident In Vernon: State Police

VERNON, CT — A West Haven man and self-proclaimed street-racer is facing four criminal charges after a crash on Interstate 84 in. Vernon, state police said.

On Sunday at 8:48 a.m., state troopers responded to a reported two-car crash on I-84 westbound near exit 66, according to an incident report. A 911 caller was involved in the accident and reported that he was racing another vehicle when he collided with an "uninvolved" vehicle in traffic, state police said.

According to an incident report, troopers spoke with both drivers at the scene, and no injuries were reported by either party.

Things became interesting, however, when police questioned the 911 caller, identified as Wayne Ferguson, 21, of West Haven. According to an incident report, Ferguson explained that he was racing another vehicle, whose driver he didn't even know. Ferguson explained that he was traveling at speeds of 110 to 120 mph as he and the other vehicle were using all three lanes to pass other traffic, according tpo an incident report.

Ferguson said that, while racing at high speeds, he attempted to pass a vehicle in the center lane that was not involved, and his vehicle collided with it, according to an incident report.

The vehicle Ferguson reported he was racing with continued on I-84 west at a high rate of speed and it is being described only as a black Infiniti by an independent witness, state police said.

Ferguson's vehicle was uninsured, according to an incident report. He told state troopers that he usually "street races" when he sees other vehicles speeding to "get in on it," according to an incident report.

Both vehicles were later towed from the scene due to damage sustained in the collision, according to an incident report.

Ferguson was arrested without incident and transported to Troop C, where he was charged with:

• Illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance
• Reckless driving
• Illegal racing on a highway
• Failure to maintain the proper lane on a limited access highway

Ferguson was later released from custody on a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear at Rockville Superior Court on Oct. 10.

State police said anyone with information pertaining to the black Infiniti and/or its operator at the time of this incident can contact Trooper Jarred Bolduc at Troop C in Tolland at 860-896-3200 or by email at jarred.bolduc@ct.gov.