Driver Hits Cruiser, Engages Police In Pursuit: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Meriden man is accused of engaging police in pursuit and was taken into custody near his home, Hamden police said.

At 4:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to the area of Dixwell and Putnam avenues on a report of a motorist that had “passed out," police said. Officer Vin Palma arrived and attempted to place the “running vehicle” into park, police said. The driver, Donald Woodson, shoved Officer Palma and then nearly struck him with his vehicle, police said.

Woodson’s vehicle did however, strike a Hamden Police vehicle, police said. He fled northbound on Dixwell Avenue, before entering the northbound entrance to Route 15, police said. He subsequently struck a curb, which flattened his left front tire.

Officers pursued Woodson to his residence in Meriden, police said. He was arrested while attempting to gain entrance into his residence, police said. Woodson resisted arrest, police said. He was in the possession of a loaded .40 caliber handgun that contained a high capacity, 15 round magazine.

Police said they arrested Donald Woodson, 37, of South Colony Street in Meriden.

He was charged with:

- Criminal Possession of a Firearm
- Carrying a Pistol without a Permit
- Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree
- Weapons in a Motor Vehicle
- Illegal Purchase of a Large Capacity Magazine
- Sale of Narcotics
- Interfering with a Police Officer
- Engaging an Officer in Pursuit
- Reckless Driving
- Evading Responsibility

He is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on Aug. 30.