Crime & Safety

Update: High Speed Chase Leads to Multiple Charges for New Haven Woman

Blanca Rodriguez was arrested Monday in Middletown after leading police on a high speed chase through several towns, including Durham.

A New Haven woman arrested earlier this week after leading police on a high-speed chase through several towns, including Durham, is facing multiple charges.

Blanca Rodriguez, 53, was arrested by New Haven Police Monday evening along Route 17 in Middletown.

According to police, the chase involving Rodriguez began in New Haven, after officers there were called to investigate a stalking incident involving Rodriguez.

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When officers showed up to talk to the complainant, Rodriguez crashed her car into the complainant's vehicle and took off, police say.

Police pursued Rodriguez through several towns, a chase that eventually led through Main Street in Durham, shortly after 5 p.m.

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According to one witness, Rodriguez nearly lost control of her vehicle on and narrowly missed other drivers. 

"I saw a ... vehicle dipping and swerving through Main Street. The front tire on the passenger side was completely gone and was on the rim itself," Jerry Bellamy said.

Rodriguez sideswiped at least one car along Main Street (see photo) and continued north along Route 17 towards Middletown. Police managed to stop Rodriguez and take her into custody near Dooley's Pond.

Court records show Rodriguez was arrested in May for breach of peace and criminal mischief.

After Monday's incident she faces multiple charges, including violation of a protective order, first degree criminal mischief and first degree stalking, all felonies.

She's also charged with reckless endangerment, harassment, reckless driving, engaging in a police pursuit, evading responsibility, improper use of license and registration, failure to renew registration and illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance.

Her bond was set at $75,000.


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