Officers, K-9 Called In After Suspect Flees
Officers, K-9 Called In After Suspect Flees
On October 10 at approximately 5:30 pm, five Newtown officers and the K-9 unit were dispatched to the area of 94 Poverty Hollow Road to assist the Redding Police Department.
According to reports, Matthew Coconis, 34, of 51 Poverty Hollow Road was pulled over by Redding police for a routine traffic investigation on that road. During the stop, police say the accused refused to exit his vehicle and subsequently drove from the scene. Mr Coconis reportedly crashed his vehicle some distance away in the area of 94 Poverty Hollow and fled on foot, leading Redding police on a brief chase into the thickly wooded area on the Newtown side of the town line.
Redding police contacted Newtown for assistance and local officers including K-9 Baro and his handler Officer Stinson arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. K-9 Baro tracked and located the suspect approximately a half mile from the crash scene, and Mr Coconis was taken into custody by Officer Stinson without further incident.
Redding police transported the accused to their headquarters for processing. During the investigation of the traffic collision, which involved a search of the suspectâs car, police say Baro located a small bag of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
On October 11, Newtown police were continuing the accident investigation while Redding police continued their criminal investigation.
Mr Coconis was charged with possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, DWI, engaging in pursuit, evading responsibility, making an improper turn, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and failure to obtain a Connecticut license. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 21.