Press Release from East Haven Police Department

On Oct. 2, at approximately 10:02 p.m., East Haven Police Department (EHPD) officers were notified by police dispatch that a red Honda Civic had failed to stop for a Branford police officer. The vehicle, which had a history of attempting to bait officers into pursuits, was confirmed to be a misuse (incorrect license plate on the vehicle) and had been reported as stolen from a different Honda Civic.

At approximately 10:28 p.m., Officer Micah Belcher observed the suspect vehicle near Kimberly Avenue in East Haven and advised other units that it had entered the T.J. Maxx parking lot on Frontage Road. Officer Robert Celentano located the vehicle exiting the parking lot of Work N Gear and positioned his marked police cruiser in front of the suspect vehicle. The suspect, later identified as Robert Andrus, 39, of New Haven, reversed his vehicle and attempted to flee, striking the front passenger side of Officer Celentano’s vehicle.

Despite Officer Celentano issuing verbal commands, Andrus ignored his orders and fled the scene, entering I-95 North. Officers briefly pursued the vehicle, but then terminated the pursuit because of the reckless nature of the operator.

Shortly after the pursuit was terminated, East Haven’s police dispatch was advised that Connecticut State Police (CPD) troopers had located the suspect vehicle near exit 61 on I-95. The pursuit ended when Andrus crashed his vehicle into a guardrail at exit 62. Both Andrus and a passenger were taken into custody by the CPD.

The passenger, who was not charged, sustained minor injuries and was treated on-scene before being transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for further evaluation. Andrus refused treatment and was taken to Troop F of the CPD for processing.

Officer Celentano was not injured during this incident.

Andrus was arrested for several charges, including interfering with an officer, reckless endangerment, engaging police in a pursuit, improper use of a marker plate, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence, as well as numerous other motor vehicle violations.

As of Oct. 7, the EHPD was in the process of obtaining an arrest warrant to charge Andrus with additional offenses connected to this incident.

The EHPD thanks the CPD for its swift response and assistance regarding this matter.