Suspect accused of nearly striking Bristol police officer arrested

BRISTOL, Conn. (WTH) — Bristol police have arrested a suspect they say nearly struck a police officer while fleeing a scene in July.

Kamron Mathis, 23, formerly of Manchester, was charged with:

• criminal attempt to assault a police officer
• interfering with an officer
• two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment
• reckless driving
• engaging police in a pursuit
• operating without a driver license
• speeding above 70 mph
• improper turn
• failure to obey stop sign

The charges stem from around 10 p.m. on July 8, when officers came upon an apparent disturbance on Prospect Street while on routine patrol.

When one of the officers got out of their patrol car to investigate, Mathis allegedly got into his vehicle and fled the scene, almost striking the officer in the process.

Police initiated a chase but suspended it due to the suspect’s “dangerous and erratic driving” and what officers felt for a disregard for the safety of others on the road. No injuries were reported.

Investigators determined the driver was Mathis, who was staying in East Hartford and had several outstanding warrants for his arrest from Manchester and Glastonbury.

He was taken into custody on August 27, after being observed and identified by personnel from Bristol, Glastonbury, Manchester, and East Hartford police, as well as the East Central Narcotics Task Force.

Mathis was arraigned at New Britain Superior Court and remains in custody as of Tuesday.

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