NORTH HAVEN — Connecticut State Police said a crash on Interstate 91 North by exit 11 in North Haven caused minor injuries and took down a light pole.
State police said the crash happened after a police chase started on I-95 Northbound. The pursuit continued to the I-95/I-91 Northbound split, but the suspect continued to evade State Police on I-91 North. The suspect then exited via exit 12 and the chase continued on the side streets of North Haven. The suspect eventually re-entered I-91 Northbound and, after hitting a State Police cruiser near exit 12, lost control of the van.
Police said the female suspect, identified as Mercedes Bruno, 27, was taken into custody after crashing. It was determined that the van she was driving was a bread truck she had stolen in Bridgeport. During the pursuit, Bruno sideswiped and struck several police cruisers.
Police said Bruno and two troopers have been transported to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries.
Bruno was charged with the following:
- 2 counts of Assault on Public Safety Personnel
- 2 counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Assault on Public Safety Personnel
- Larceny
- Criminal Trove
- Reckless Endangerment
- Operating While Under the Influence
- Reckless Driving
- Engaging Police in Pursuit
- 3 counts of Evading Responsibility
Bruno failed to post the $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 30 at 9 a.m.