Connecticut Driver Rams Police, Then Slows to a Crawl – Is This the Most Pathetic Chase Ever?

Police chases are so hot right now. This is the second time in two days I’m writing about Connecticut police having to engage in a vehicle pursuit. Honestly, you’d think criminals would want to stay inside and stay warm in this subzero weather, but apparently, the adrenaline rush is worth freezing your Crown Royal bag off.

According to a press release from the Connecticut State Police, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM, Troopers from Troop C - Tolland were notified by the Willimantic Police Department that a Honda Civic, allegedly operated by Julian Ramos (a convicted felon on probation), had been playing a dangerous game of “catch me if you can” with the cops. Apparently, this wasn’t the first time Ramos had allegedly fled traffic stops in the past few weeks. Maybe like Dexter, he has a "dark passenger."

Them, Troopers locate the suspect vehicle at a gas station in Windham. Picture this: Troopers trying to box in the Civic, and Ramos allegedly rams not one, but two State Police cruisers, sounds like a movie but spoiler alert: it wasn’t quite as cinematic as he’d hoped.

After that, he allegedly hit the road, making a getaway on Route 6 west into Columbia. But alas, the Civic—clearly not made for high-speed thrills—suffered a mechanical failure, dropping its speed to a leisurely 40 mph. Now, you’d think someone in a high-speed pursuit would be trying to get away as fast as possible. But no, Ramos allegedly tried to run a civilian car off the road.

Troopers, however, were not about to let this one get away. At low speeds, they made contact with the Civic, bringing it to a forced stop. While it wasn’t exactly a dramatic finale, at least no other vehicles were involved, and no one got hurt (T's and P's - Thoughts and Prayers all the way around). Ramos, on the other hand, probably didn’t feel too great about his fate. With the help of a trusty State Police K-9, he was taken into custody without incident.

Honda is going to be so embarrassed to learn that it was one of their Civic models that prevented Ramos from breaking free. I bet an Altima would be in Florida by now.

Ramos was processed and charged with the following violations:

Charges:

• C.G.S. 14-147(a) - Falsify Registration Plate
• C.G.S. 14-213b - Operating a Motor Vehicle without Minimum Insurance
• C.G.S. 14-222 - Reckless Driving
• C.G.S. 14-223(b) - Engaging Police in Pursuit
• C.G.S. 14-227 - Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs
• C.G.S. 14-230(a) - Failure to Drive Right
• C.G.S. 14-236 - Failure to Maintain Lane
• C.G.S. 14-296aa(b1st) - Operating a Motor Vehicle while Utilizing a Handheld Device
• C.G.S. 14-36(a) - Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License
• C.G.S. 53a-117e - Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
• C.G.S. 53a-49/53a-60(a)(2) - Criminal Attempt at Assault in the Second Degree
• C.G.S. 53a-64 - Reckless Endangerment Second Degree

Ramos was held on a $500,000 bond, and was awaiting his court date on 01/08/2025 at Rockville Superior Court.