Driver Charged With Assaulting Trooper, Fleeing State Police

State police took a man into custody who is suspected of attacking a trooper during a motor vehicle stop, leading state police on a chase and fleeing on foot after crashing in the Danbury area.

State police have arrested Marc D. Debenigno, 38, of Danbury, on multiple charges including narcotics possession, assault on a police officer and reckless endangerment. He was found at 3:10 p.m. after a lengthy search and transported to Danbury Hospital to be evaluated.

A state police trooper patroling the Interstate 84 westbound commuter lot in Danbury near exit 1 noticed a driver passed out on his steering wheel with narcotics and drug paraphernalia next to him on the passenger seat. The trooper woke Debenigno up and got him to step out of the car, ultimately arresting him after determining he didn't have a medical condition.  

As the trooper was handcuffing Debenigno, the suspect assaulted the trooper, resisted arrest and broke away, state police said. He took off in his car, leading state police on a pursuit, state police said.

New York state police chased after the car as it crossed the border into New York on Route 22 south, according to state police. Then the car looped back into Connecticut and crashed into a guardrail on Route 7 southbound just north of Ridgefield. The driver fled from his car on foot and jumped into a big swamp, state police said.

State police undertook a massive search for the man, combing the area in a helicopter. Danbury firefighters searched the water in boats, a K9 unit responded and bloodhounds were also utilized. Ridgefield police and a dive team also responded. The Danbury Police Department assisted in the search.

No troopers or civilians were injured.

State police charged Debenigno with possession of narcotics, assault on a police officer, escape from custody, engaging in pursuit, reckless driving and reckless endangerment.

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