Connecticut: Woman Fled Mall, Hit Police Officer With Car During Pursuit

A Hartford woman was arrested after she fled the mall, struck an officer with her vehicle and caused another vehicle to roll over during a pursuit, according to police.

Trumbull Police responded to the Trumbull Shopping Park around 1 p.m. Tuesday in response to two female shoplifting suspects.

Suspect Blessing Smith, 23, of Hartford was located in the mall and was uncooperative with police, said Trumbull Police Lt. Leonard Scinto, police spokesman.

She reached into a purse and was ordered to take her hand out of her purse, Scinto said. She then ran away.

Police unsuccessfully used a taser and she exited the mall into the parking lot by JCPenney. She allegedly threw her shopping bag at the officer as she got into her vehicle. The officer attempted to open the driver’s side door and Smith appeared to be reaching for something, Scinto said.

The officer drew her weapon and ordered Smith to show her hands. She refused and put the vehicle into reverse while opening the driver’s side door. The door hit the officer and knocked her off balance.

Smith then fled at a high rate of speed, Scinto said.

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Smith exited the mall onto Madison Avenue at a high rate of speed and ignored police vehicles behind her.

The pursuit continued onto Congress Street in Fairfield where her Honda Accord struck a Volkswagen Passat, which then collided with a Ford Escape. The Passat flipped over on its roof, according to Fairfield Police.

Smith continued fleeing and struck the garage door of a residence on Congress Street.

She attempted to flee on foot, but was taken into custody in nearby woods.

Her vehicle contained a large amount of suspected stolen merchandise, police said.

The original responding officer sustained a hand injury, the operator of the Passat sustained a head injury and Smith was treated for back pain.

Fairfield Police are conducting the accident investigation.

Smith was charged with assaulting a police officer, first-degree reckless endangerment, fourth degree larceny, possession of narcotics, interfering with police, reckless operating, operating without a license and possession of marijuana. She was released after posting a $75,000 bond.

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