Three arrested in connection with Meriden street takeover

Police have charged three suspects in connection with a street takeover in Meriden last month when numerous individuals surrounded a police officer’s cruiser and stomped on its hood, police said Friday.

Jarid Weymer, 22, Tatianna Ortiz, 18, and Shawn Mills, 22, have each been charged in connection with the street takeover reported on May 6 at about 11 p.m. in the parking lot of Lowe’s at 1201 E. Main St., according to the Meriden Police Department.

During the incident, individuals were racing cars, spinning tires, playing loud music and setting off fireworks, Meriden police previously said. The first officer on the scene saw a large plume of smoke coming from the area and was approached by a large crowd that began taunting the officer and giving him crude gestures, according to police.

Multiple individuals from the crowd climbed on top of the hood of the police cruiser, causing more than $1,800 in damages, according to police. Individuals also climbed on nearby tractor-trailers and blocked backup officers from reaching the lone policeman. Mutual aid was called in from the Connecticut State Police and officers in Middletown.

Meriden police on Friday said Weymer was arrested Monday on charges of first-degree riot, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree breach of peace, interfering with police, unlawful assembly and first-degree criminal trespassing.

Police allege Weymer was captured on video jumping on the hood of the police cruiser. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on July 21.

According to Meriden police, Weymer also has a warrant out for his arrest for “his involvement in a similar incident in a nearby town.”

Police said Ortiz and Mills were arrested on May 25 and each faces the same charges as Weymer.

Ortiz, who is free on a $100,000 bond, is scheduled to face a judge on July 12. Mills, who is being held on a $100,000 bond, is set to appear in court on July 7.

Meriden police on Friday said they are still investigating and will continue to “hold those involved accountable.”