Connecticut Man Arrested Following Two-State Investigation

A 23-year-old Rocky Hill man is facing charges after allegedly leading police on a two-state chase on July 4.

On Tuesday, New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation from the Dover Plains barracks arrested William E. Lester and charged him with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, and other misdemeanor charges.

On July 4, at approximately 9:50 p.m., a trooper observed a speeding Subaru operated by Lester on Pleasant Ridge Road in the town of Dover. Police said the trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle utilizing emergency lights and sirens, at which point Lester accelerated in an attempt to flee. During the pursuit, Lester threw a lunch box, which contained Lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD, from his vehicle.

During the chase, police said Lester drove his vehicle into a state police patrol vehicle causing damage to the pursuing cruiser. The pursuit led police into Connecticut where Lester exited the roadway on Route 7 and struck a guide wire and utility pole, causing power lines to fall onto his vehicle. Lester was transported to Danbury Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released.

The Town of Dover Justice Court issued a warrant ordering Lester’s arrest on July 9. Lester was featured on the New York State Police Facebook page on July 15 for Warrant Wednesday. On July 20, Lester was located at an auto body repair shop where the New Milford Police Department placed him in custody as a fugitive from justice.

The New York State Police took custody of Lester on Tuesday and arraigned him before the Town of Dover Justice Court. Lester was remanded to Dutchess County Jail, and is due to return to the Town of Dover Court at a later date.

The New York State Police were assisted by the New Milford Police Department, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, the Town of Dover Court, Connecticut Probation, the Rocky Hill Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Wetherfield Police Department.

Photo courtesy of the New York State Police.