Suspect Nabbed after Wild, Dangerous Chase

A 29-year-old Meriden man is being held on one hefty bond after a police detective was hurt during a dangerous ride Wednesday night.

This wild scene began about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday as Detective Dave Visconti and a fellow detective stopped the car they believed was being driven by a drug suspect, who has since been identified as Kareem Thomas of Meriden. 

Visconti managed to fire two gunshots through the windshield of a speeding car, all as he clung to the hood, trying to stop the driver.

As the two men in blue approached the vehicle at Camp and Center streets, the car suddenly turned, hitting Visconti and forcing him onto the hood.  

But Visconti held on as the car sped down Center Street, firing his gun at the driver.

About 100 yards down the street, the car sideswiped a second vehicle, throwing the detective onto the pavement.

Then, Thomas sped off again, police said. Police soon found his car abandoned on Elm Street and three K-9 officers began their hunt through the area. 

They tracked Thomas down and arrested him at about 11:30 p.m. To make matters worse, it seems he has no license, no insurance and the car was not registered.

He’s being held on $3 million bond and will be arraigned in Meriden Superior Court on Friday. The list of charges is longer than some fast-food menus. He’s charged with assault, interfering, resisting arrest, assault on a police officer, attempt to sell narcotics, evading responsibility, reckless driving, misuse of marker plates, failure to insure, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and having no license.    

Detective Visconti was rushed to Hartford Hospital with leg injuries and possible internal injuries. He was released Monday. 

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