EAST HAVEN, Conn. — East Haven police issued a warning Wednesday about an increase in "unprovoked violence" towards officers, asking parents to keep an eye on their children overnight.
The warning comes after two violent incidents in the past week, with both involving vehicles targeting police cruisers, according to police.
The most recent of the two happened at 4:20 a.m. Wednesday when a white or silver sedan driving at a high speed approached a patrol sergeant in a police cruiser from the rear, police said. The car was flashing its high beams and appeared to be flagging the sergeant for assistance.
After the sergeant slowed down and pulled over to check on the driver, the vehicle rammed the cruiser two times, according to police. It then went on a curb and took a U-turn, speeding off west on Foxon Road.
The sergeant lost sight of the car as it appeared to be headed towards New Haven, police said.
Earlier in the week, a separate vehicle went over to an officer in a parking lot and threw feces at his cruiser, taunting him to chase him, police said. The vehicle was not pursued, and the officer instead noted his last known location.
Police also noted that similar incidents were reported by other agencies in the region, including officers who were taunted by people in vehicles looking to be pursued.
"We've learned that many of the recent violent encounters are being perpetrated by young people in our community," East Haven Police Capt. Joseph Murgo said. "This is not just a law enforcement issue. It's a community issue that demands our immediate attention."
Murgo asked for parents and guardians to be "present in their child's lives," have conversations with them and watch over them during the overnight hours to ensure they are not involved in any dangerous activities.
In response to the recent incidents, Murgo said that police are increasing their patrols, "enhancing officer safety protocols," and working with law enforcement partners to apprehend those responsible for the attacks on officers.
"If you see something suspicious or witness any behavior that could threaten the safety of our officers, please report it immediately," Murgo said.
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