Police are investigating after a woman was reportedly kidnapped by the father of her child on Monday, sparking a police pursuit through New Britain and into Newington.
According to police, the scene unfolded around 5:15 p.m. March 10, when a woman was forced into a car at Kelsey Street and Rocky Hill Avenue in New Britain.
The driver, 23-year-old Xavier Vasquez, subsequently took off, police said. Officers tried to stop the car to no avail, then followed it onto Route 9. Vasquez reportedly led police onto Cedar Street in Newington and then back into New Britain.
Police said Vasquez struck at least one car while in Newington.
He finally stopped at Overlook and Farmington avenues in New Britain and was taken into custody after a brief struggle with police. The responding officers received minor injuries, police said.
Authorities said the female victim was found in the backseat unharmed. She and Vasquez have a child together.
Vasquez is a convicted felon and had two outstanding warrants at the time of the incident, both charging him with motor vehicle offenses including engaging officers in a pursuit, according to police. One warrant was dated Nov. 4, 2013 and the other was dated Dec. 13, 2013.
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He was served both outstanding warrants and was additionally charged with second-degree kidnapping, engaging police in a pursuit, interfering with police and reckless driving.
Vasquez’s bond was set at a total of $400,300, including $350,000 from Monday’s incident, $50,000 for the December warrant and $300 for the November warrant.
Police said the woman is cooperating with investigators.
