Cops: Man flees police, causes 3-vehicle crash on Arrigoni Bridge

A driver who tried to flee a traffic stop Wednesday evening in Middletown caused a three-car pile up on the Arrigoni Bridge in Portland, police said. A driver who tried to flee a traffic stop Wednesday evening in Middletown caused a three-car pile up on the Arrigoni Bridge in Portland, police said. Photo: Anthony Pioppi Photo Photo: Anthony Pioppi Photo Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Cops: Man flees police, causes 3-vehicle crash on Arrigoni Bridge 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

MIDDLETOWN — A driver who tried to flee a traffic stop Wednesday evening caused a three-car pileup on the Arrigoni Bridge, police said.

The crash happened at around 8 p.m. after an officer tried to pull over a white Mercedes-Benz for a traffic violation at Main Street and Hartford Avenue, police said.

The car initially stopped for the officer but then fled, running a red light and narrowly missing crossing traffic while headed toward the bridge, reports said.

The officer got back into his cruiser and headed toward the bridge where he encountered a three-car accident involving the Mercedes, police said.

Initial investigation showed that the Mercedes approached the bridge, struck a median guardrail and then hit a 2017 Nissan Murano and a 2006 Ford Taurus, both of which were traveling west.

The driver of the Mercedes and the Nissan were taken to Hartford Hospital after the crash. Their condition was not immediately available.

The driver of the Taurus also was taken to an area hospital for treatment, police said.

The name of the driver of the Mercedes has not been released.

Police said the crash is under investigation and anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Officer Passacantdo at 860-638-4063.