A Hartford man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly leading state police on a dangerous high-speed chase that ended in a violent crash along Interstate 84 in eastern Connecticut over the weekend.
According to the Connecticut State Police, the incident began Saturday evening when a trooper observed a white Nissan Maxima traveling eastbound on I-84 near Exit 67. The vehicle was reportedly driving erratically, making unsafe lane changes, failing to signal, and struggling to maintain its lane.
A check of the vehicle’s registration revealed the license plate had been canceled and was registered to a different car. When the trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Exit 68 in Tolland, the driver allegedly accelerated, shut off the vehicle’s lights, and began driving recklessly through traffic at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. Due to safety concerns and departmental pursuit policies, the trooper discontinued the chase.
Moments later, a 911 caller reported a white vehicle traveling at high speed without headlights near Exit 70. A second trooper later spotted the same car between Exits 72 and 73 in Union. When officers again attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled once more, prompting authorities to disengage.
The pursuit came to an abrupt end near Exit 74 when the driver lost control while attempting to exit the highway. Police say the vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree stump, and rolled over. The driver then ran from the crash site but was apprehended by troopers roughly 300 meters away.
Authorities identified the driver as 25-year-old Youry Jawaan Smith of Hartford. Investigators say Smith was on parole at the time of the incident and did not possess a valid driver’s license. Troopers also noted signs of alcohol impairment, including the odor of alcohol and Smith’s driving behavior. Due to injuries sustained in the crash, full sobriety testing could not be completed.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered suspected marijuana packaged in a manner consistent with distribution, along with multiple alcohol containers. The substances were seized as evidence.
Smith is charged with operating under the influence, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and numerous motor vehicle violations. He was transported to the hospital for treatment before being transferred to the Hartford Correctional Center, where he is being held on a $100,000 bond.
He is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court.
