Cops: Man crashed stolen truck into school bus

Suspect accused in multi-town police chase, other accidents

EAST HAMPTON — A Glastonbury man who allegedly stole a pickup truck, crashed into a school bus carrying children, stole a Jeep at the scene, and led police on a miles-long pursuit through multiple towns, now faces multiple charges, police said.

Scott Kaminski, 32, of Sunset Drive, Glastonbury, who was injured in the collision, allegedly stole a 2000 Mack pickup truck in Colchester, drove it to East Hampton, and collided with a bus that was carrying students to the middle school at about 7:40 a.m., according to East Hampton Police Chief Dennis Woessner.

Neither the students nor the bus driver were hurt in the incident, Woessner said.

As a result of the accident, the truck became disabled, so Kaminski reportedly jumped into a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was being operated by a “good Samaritan” who stopped to help the children.

Just after 2 p.m., Troop H officials were alerted by Waterbury police that the Jeep was near the Southington rest area on Interstate 84 eastbound, according to a release from Troop F in Westbrook. Waterbury officers had been unsuccessful in stopping the SUV because Kaminski engaged them in pursuit, the release said.

At 2:18 p.m., Hartford state police spotted the Jeep traveling at a high rate of speed in the left lane of I-84 eastbound near West Hartford’s Exit 39A, the report said. Kaminski allegedly left the highway at Exit 42 and struck several vehicles in West Hartford and Hartford.

A short time later, the Jeep was seen traveling on I-84 east near Exit 48 in Hartford, the release said. Troopers tried to stop the Jeep, but Kaminski again led state police in a pursuit, onto Interstate 91 north, left the roadway via Exit 42 and traveled onto Route 140 in East Windsor, police said.

The Jeep struck a dump truck nearby and another vehicle, then tipped onto its side, the release said.

Following the crash, Kaminski, who was unconscious, was taken to Hartford Hospital, authorities said.

Troopers learned Kaminski had four warrants for his arrest, including two from Manchester police.

After being released from the hospital, Kaminski was charged with firstdegree larceny, interfering with police, engaging in pursuit, reckless driving, operating under suspension, possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, a prescription drug container violation, and operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. He is free on a $250,000 bond and was expected in Hartford Superior Court Tuesday.

The incident remains under investigation.

Kaminski