February 6, 2017

The Connecticut State Police would like to remind the public that protests blocking any highway or roadway is not only a crime, but dangerous and will NOT be tolerated. All laws will be strictly enforced.

On February 4, 2017 at approximately 4:25 p.m., troopers from Troop G - Bridgeport, Troop F - Westbrook and Troop I - Bethany responded to the I-95 Northbound Exit 47 Ramp (RT34 Westbound) in New Haven for approximately 100-200 protesters blocking the highway following a request for assistance from the New Haven Police Department. Troopers responded to the area with riot gear and capstun (pepper spray).

The protesters were in the process of being cleared from the highway, but not before they obstructed an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient. Due to this delay ambulance personnel were required to perform an emergency medical procedure in the ambulance instead of at the hospital.

Upon Connecticut State Police personnel arriving on-scene, attempts were made to locate and identify the leader of the protest who was leading the protest/riot via microphone and loudspeaker.

The protesters were blocking New Haven streets prompting New Haven PD to send multiple units to clear the streets. State Police and New Haven police eventually located and identified the leader of the protest, Norman Clement, on the corner of Church Street and Chapel Street in New Haven. Clement ran from law enforcement personnel through the crowd, knocking over several of his supporters, before being apprehended. Clement actively resisted arrest and was sprayed with capstun.

Norman Clement (dob 06/27/1950) of 977 State St., New Haven was transported to Troop G where he was fingerprinted, photographed and charged Inciting a Riot, Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with an Officer and Reckless use of the Highway by a Pedestrian.

Clement was released on a $5,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear at New Haven Superior Court on February 13, 2017.