Driver flees after Berlin police spot him passed out in running vehicle
By: -----
Berlin, CT - Police in Berlin released body cam video of a man they said was passed out behind the wheel of a running stolen vehicle, but took off.
They identified the driver as 40-year-old Christopher Criss.
The incident happened on July 11 around 9:15 p.m.
Police said they found a stopped Jeep Grand Cherokee at Christian Lane and Massirio Drive in Berlin.
“Criss was passed out behind the wheel with the car in drive and his foot on the brake,” said Deputy Chief Drew Gallupe, Berlin police. “Attempts to wake Criss were unsuccessful, and a drug overdose was suspected.”
Officers said they forced entry and tried to remove Criss and secure the vehicle.
“At this point Criss awoke and resisted officers, putting the car in reverse and ramming a patrol car,” Gallupe said. “Then [Criss] accelerated forward, striking a second patrol car and sped away.”
No Berlin officers were hurt.
Police said they pursued the driver but lost sight of the Jeep in New Britain.
They figured out that the Jeep Criss drove had been stolen.
Police said Criss and the vehicle were spotted at a gas station in New Britain.
They said in the process of trying to take Criss into custody, more New Britain patrol cars were damaged, and this time, two officers were hurt.
A vehicle was also struck in a driveway, which caused damage to a home.
“Criss was arrested by New Britain police on multiple charges and by Berlin police also for multiple charges,” Gallupe said.