K9 takes a bite on a suspect after Connecticut State Police uses a PIT maneuver to end the pursuit
By: -----
Norwich, CT - The Connecticut Office of Inspector General (OIG) is investigating the use of deadly force by a Connecticut State Police trooper during an alleged high-speed chase on Nov. 24, 2025, in Norwich.
According to the inspector general, the motor vehicle chase began on Route 2A in Montville, continued through Norwich, and ended on Route 2 west, where Trooper Wilfred J. Blanchette engaged in a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver to terminate the pursuit.
Blanchette struck the fleeing vehicle in its rear corner, causing it to spin and stop. At high speed, this tactic constitutes the use of deadly physical force due to the risk of harm it creates.
The pursuit began after Blanchette saw a 2006 Honda Accord speeding and driving erratically in Montville. The license plate on the car did not match the Accord, according to the report. At the time of the incident, Blanchette said he believed the driver of the Accord was intoxicated.
Despite Blanchette activating police lights and sirens, the driver of the Accord did not stop and proceeded onto Interstate 395 North into Norwich, according to the report. Blanchette’s cruiser reached speeds of up to 120 mph during the pursuit.
Another trooper deployed stop sticks, which deflated one of the Accord’s tires, and the pursuit continued at a somewhat slower speed, the report states. Blanchette received permission from a sergeant before performing the PIT maneuver.
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Blanchette intentionally collided with the rear of the car at a speed in excess of 75 mph, the report said. This was unsuccessful, prompting a second PIT maneuver, which stopped the vehicle.
The car was driven by Jesus Santiago of Manchester and was occupied by Tyloine Reddick, according to the report. Both Santiago and Reddick refused medical attention at the scene and were charged with various motor vehicle and narcotics offenses, the report states.