Alleged Route 9 Cromwell wrong-way driver arrested

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CROMWELL, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut State Police arrest a suspect who, they say, drove the wrong-way on Route 9 to get away from a State Police traffic stop.

Troopers monitoring traffic on I-91 Northbound near Exit 21 in Cromwell observed a gray Honda Civic displaying a Connecticut registration traveling at a speed greater than the flow of traffic around 2:37 a.m. Friday. The Trooper then clocked the Honda and determined that it was traveling at a speed of approximately 111 MPH in a posted 65 MPH zone.

As the Trooper drove to catch up to the Honda, troopers say the operator, later identified as Derell Aponte, 24, of Ne wBritain, turned off the vehicle’s headlights and taillights, began to accelerate and change lanes in an erratic manner.

The Trooper initiated a traffic stop, activating their cruiser’s emergency lights and sirens. In response, the Honda came to a stop, pulled into the right shoulder of the roadway, and began backing down the I-91 north Exit 22 entrance ramp from Route 9 north, traveling in the in the wrong direction in an apparent effort to elude the Trooper.

The Trooper didn't pursue Aponte out of concern for the public's safety.

Other Troopers quickly responded to Route 9 but were unable to find the Honda.

One of the troopers involved in the investigation was able to capture the information from the license plate, which traced back to an address in New Britain.

The owner of the vehicle said Aponte was driving the Honda.

Aponte was later arrested after Troopers met him at an address and he admitted to the Trooper's accusations against him from earlier in the morning.

Aponte is being charged with reckless driving greater than 85 miles per hour, unsafe backing, disobeying the signal of an officer, driving the wrong way on a divided highway, and first-degree reckless endangerment.

Aponte was later released on a $20,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Middletown Superior Court on October 4, 2024.