Westport Police Clash with Wanted Man: Violent Struggle with K9 Ends in Arrest!
Wesley Aldridge, a 35-year-old from Washington, DC, was arrested on Wednesday, August 28, and is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. He faces multiple felony charges, according to Connecticut police.
Police were called to the area of Exit 17 on I-95 in Westport, Connecticut, around 11:30 a.m. after several reports about a tractor-trailer swerving dangerously across lanes. Witnesses said the driver parked the truck on the shoulder and then took off on an electric scooter.
Authorities quickly located Aldridge on the scooter nearby. When officers tried to stop him, he ignored their commands. Aldridge initially threw the scooter to the ground and charged at an officer before getting back on the scooter and attempting to flee.
A short time later, two officers managed to block the off-ramp at Exit 17 and stopped Aldridge. However, he resisted arrest and fought with the officers. To control the situation, an officer released their K9, named Gatti.
The K9 knocked Aldridge down and bit him on the thigh. In response, Aldridge punched the dog and tried to choke it. Fortunately, the officers were able to handcuff Aldridge before Gatti was seriously harmed.
During the struggle, a trooper sustained minor injuries. Aldridge also spat at officers and resisted paramedics who tried to treat his bite wound. Eventually, he was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being transferred to the Bridgeport Correctional Center.
Aldridge has been charged with:
- Assault on a public safety officer (six counts)
- Fugitive from justice
- Cruelty to animals (two counts)
- Interfering with an officer
- Reckless use of a highway by a pedestrian
- Improper parking
- Operating an unregistered vehicle
Police in Missouri had previously issued a warrant for Aldridge’s arrest due to a charge of harassment in the first degree. A judge has set his bond at $100,000.