A suspect accused of striking a Belleville, New Jersey, police officer with a vehicle during a traffic stop was arrested in New Britain, Connecticut, early Monday morning, according to Connecticut State Police. The arrest followed an overnight search for the driver, who allegedly fled the scene after the incident near Branch Brook Park.
Connecticut State Police said troopers located the suspect’s vehicle in New Britain at approximately 2 a.m. Monday and took the driver into custody. New Britain is nearly 100 miles from the New Jersey location where the incident occurred.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect in the information provided.
Belleville Officer Injured During Traffic Stop
According to Belleville Mayor Frank Vélez, two police officers attempted to stop or engage a driver near Branch Brook Park on Sunday evening. During the encounter, one officer was struck by a vehicle, prompting another officer to discharge a firearm, the mayor said.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Vélez described the preliminary account of the incident.
“According to preliminary information, a Belleville police officer was struck by a vehicle while attempting to apprehend a fleeing suspect. An officer subsequently discharged their firearm, and the suspect fled the scene,” the mayor wrote.
Vélez added that the injured officer’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether anyone else was injured, were not detailed in the supplied information.
Police Presence Reported Near Branch Brook Park
The incident prompted a significant police response near Branch Brook Park, around Mill Street and Union Avenue, as officers investigated the scene Sunday night.
Witness accounts also described a vehicle striking an officer before gunfire was heard.
David Vazquez of Newark told reporters that his best friend was traveling to watch a football game when he witnessed the incident. According to Vazquez, his friend reported seeing an officer struck by a car before hearing gunshots.
Vazquez said his friend also reported that the shots struck the back of his vehicle, breaking its windows.
The account has not been independently verified in the information provided. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the gunfire.
Investigation Continues After Connecticut Arrest
The arrest in New Britain brought the overnight search for the driver to Connecticut, according to state police. Investigators have not provided additional information in the supplied report about potential charges or the suspect’s identity.
Officials also have not released further details about what led to the traffic stop, the events immediately preceding the officer being struck, or the firearm discharge.
The investigation remains focused on the circumstances of the encounter in New Jersey and the suspect’s alleged flight from the scene.
This report is based on information attributed to Connecticut State Police, Belleville Mayor Frank Vélez, and a witness account reported by NBC New York.
