Man Wanted By 2 Police Departments Found Driving on Blown-Out Tire In Goshen
GOSHEN, CT (WFSB) - A man wanted by a couple of police departments was found in Goshen driving in a vehicle with a tire that was down to the rim.
State police said Raymond Cortez, 34, of New Britain, was wanted by departments in Newington and Torrington.
Raymond Cortez, who was wanted by multiple police departments, was found driving in Goshen on a blown-out tire, state police said.(Connecticut State Police)
Tuesday around 10:30 p.m., troopers said they were dispatched to the area of Route 63 in Goshen for an erratic driver reportedly driving on a blown-out tire. A caller provided the vehicle registration to state police, at which time it was learned that the Newington Police Department was looking for the vehicle in connection with an active investigation. Newington police suspected it be driven by Cortez. State police said they also learned that the Torrington Police Department sought the same vehicle, which had reportedly left the scene of a crash.
At around 10:45 p.m., a trooper spotted the vehicle traveling south on Route 63 in Goshen. The trooper observed that the vehicle had crossed over the double yellow lines multiple times, was traveling at or below the speed limit, and was clearly being driven on nothing more than the rim on the right front wheel.
Emergency lights and the siren were activated so the trooper could stop the driver. However the driver failed to comply and continued on Route 63 headed south. In the interest of public safety, troopers ended their pursuit. Roughly 50 minutes later, the vehicle was located abandoned on Route 4 in Goshen in the middle of the eastbound lane.
A K9 unit found Cortez in the area shortly after midnight. State police said Cortez was uncooperative with troopers when he was arrested and tried to manipulate his cuffed hands to the front of his body.
Cortez told troopers that he had a medical issue and felt faint. EMS personnel were summoned to the scene. Cortez was transported to an area hospital for treatment. A search of Cortez’s vehicle led to the discovery of a large hunting knife with an 8-inch blade. It was also learned that Cortez’s license had been suspended.
When he was discharged from the hospital around 2:40 a.m., he was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, reckless driving (knowingly operating with defective equipment), disobeying the signal of an officer, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, and interfering with an officer/resisting.
Cortez was held on a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Torrington Superior Court on Wednesday. Newington and Torrington police were both advised of Cortez’s arrest.
This is a re-printed article from WFSB 2024
