Anonymous Driver Gives Officer a Ride to Arrest Suspect

Norwich police aren’t sure who gave an officer a lift while he was chasing a suspect in a road rage incident, but the department is grateful and wants to thank the person. 

The incident started as a motor vehicle stop on Taftville Occum Road on Wednesday. 

Officers Matthew Seidel and Michael Krodel, of the Norwich Police Community Policing Unit, were investigating reports of a road rage incident and

stopped the car, but the driver hopped out and ran, police said. 

That’s when a stranger who was passing by offered Officer Seidel a ride. 

The officer accepted and the helpful driver dropped him off right in front of the subject, who has been identified as Duane Crawford, 27, of Norwich. 

Both officers were able to apprehend him and the citizen who offered the ride left the scene. Now Norwich Police would like to thank the person. 

Crawford has been charged with operating a motor vehicle while under suspension, possession of cocaine, possession of less than half an ounce of cocaine with intent to sell, interfering with a police officer and second-degree breach of peace. 

Police said Crawford was also wanted for a parole violation and was released to the custody of the state Department of Correction on a $10,000 non-surety bond and given a court June 16. 

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