Milford police arrest man after hit-and-run incident, officer struck by vehicle

MILFORD — A routine patrol at a local car meet escalated into a pursuit and arrest on May 8 after Milford police officers encountered a vehicle that was illegally backfiring and later discovered what appeared to be a firearm in the car.

Officers patrolling the area of ​​1376 Boston Post Road, where a car meeting had caused a surge in traffic, observed a black Acura TSX with Connecticut license plate BK85549.

The car, driven by 19-year-old Kenneth Pagan, was seen slowing in the middle of an intersection and intentionally causing loud misfires, in violation of state noise regulations.

During a car stop, officers approaching Pagan’s vehicle spotted a potential firearm in the back seat.

As they attempted to investigate further, Pagan turned the car on and fled the scene, hitting one officer and narrowly missing another and a patrol vehicle.

Authorities later tracked Pagan to his home at 541 Maple St in Bridgeport, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspected firearm turned out to be a toy “gel blaster” gun.

Pagan is charged with multiple counts, including two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, obstructing an officer, reckless driving, police pursuit, making unnecessary noise and striking an officer with a motor vehicle.

Following his arrest, Pagan was held on $40,000 bail, which he subsequently posted.

He is scheduled to appear in court on June 4.