NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A wild chase down a snowy and slushy I-95 began following an armed robbery in Greenwich, CT and ended with two New York State Police cars wrecked and one Trooper injured in New Rochelle. Two men were in the vehicle, a black Dodge Charger with New York plates.
Gerald Norman, 50, of Mount Vernon, NY was captured in the vehicle after the collision, the other suspect escaped on foot. The second suspect was described as a male/black with a cap, dreadlocks and a dark-colored hoodie sweatshirt last scene in the vicinity of 71 Horton Avenue. New Rochelle police canvassed the area without success.
The incident began following an armed robbery in Greenwich, CT, according to New York State Police.
Around 11 a.m., the two suspects allegedly stole numerous fur vests and coats, valued at approximately $38,000, from the Saks Fifth Avenue store located on Greenwich Ave in Greenwich, CT. A BOLO (“be on the lookout) was broadcast at approximately 11:15 a.m. for two suspects operating a black Dodge Charger.
According to State police, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Troopers from the Thruway spotted the vehicle southbound on Interstate 95. They pursued as the vehicle exited the highway at Exit 16 into the City of New Rochelle. Near the traffic circle at Memorial Highway and Lincoln Avenue, Troopers conducted a felony traffic stop on the vehicle. As the driver, Norman, exited the vehicle, the passenger got into the driver’s seat and sped off. Norman was taken into custody and Troopers began to pursue the vehicle.
The pursuit continued on Brook Street towards Coligni Avenue but ended just two blocks later when the suspect turned the Charger around, facing into the pursuit by the State Troopers, and struck a marked State Police car in a head-on collision, disabling both vehicles. The collision occurred at the intersection of Coligni Avenue and Brook Street, several blocks from New Rochelle City Hall.
The suspect fled on foot and is still being sought by police at this time.
Norman was charged with criminal possession of stolen property 3rd degree, a class D felony and is awaiting arraignment in New Rochelle City Court.
One New York State Police vehicle was reportedly involved in a multi-vehicle crash on I-95. It was not clear whether the trooper involved in that crash was involved in the chase or responding to the scene.
New York State Police spokesperson Trooper Matthew Izbicki said that one New York State Trooper was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.