Hartford Police Chase Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting

A 32-year-old man is facing charges after driving erratically during the snowstorm in Hartford and leading police on a chase that ended when the officer fired his weapon, authorities said.

According to police, Sadiki Blake, of Hartford, was driving recklessly on Mather Street in Hartford around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. A nearby officer reported seeing Blake speed through several stop lights and red lights, and tried to pull him over on Mahl Avenue.

Police said Blake sped up and led the officer on a chase, stopping momentarily, then backing his car toward the police cruiser and speeding off. The officer said he was afraid for his life and fired three shots at Blake’s red Ford Expedition. The shots struck the car’s front end, and Blake stopped the car. He was taken into custody, uninjured.

Blake is charged with reckless driving, disobeying the signal of an officer and criminal attempt at assault. He was held on a $500,000 bond. Police said Blake has 21 previous arrests in Hartford.

Mahl Avenue was closed at Main Street while authorities responded to the scene.

The Hartford Police Department Major Crimes Division is investigating.

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