Man arrested after fleeing police after nearly attacking North Haven police officer

José Andres Rodriguez-Diaz

NORTH HAVEN, Connecticut (WTNH) – A convicted felon was arrested Sunday for obstructing a traffic stop and nearly hitting an officer while fleeing from police in North Haven, police said.

Police arrested 25-year-old Jose Andres Rodriguez-Diaz and charged him with attempted assault on a police officer, reckless driving, pursuit, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, driving without insurance, misuse of a license plate and driving while license suspended.

On Sunday around 5:15 p.m., a patrol officer attempted to stop several ATVs and a pickup truck hauling an ATV in the Maple Avenue area, according to police.

According to police, Rodriguez-Diaz “interfered” with the stop in his blue sedan and tried to block the police officer while he was trying to stop the SUVs and the truck.

At one point, police say, Rodriguez-Diaz nearly ran the officer off the road. Then he sped off and a chase ensued. Police say Rodriguez-Diaz drove recklessly and eventually North Haven police lost sight of his vehicle in New Haven.

The car was found a short time later on Davenport Avenue in New Haven, police said, and Rodriguez-Diaz was taken into custody. Police said no one was injured.