Gambling ticket helps cops charge fleeing driver

STAMFORD — A newly purchased Keno ticket was used by officers Sunday night to charge a driver with running from police.

Capt. Diedrich Hohn was on patrol about 10:20 p.m. Sunday when he said he saw a gray Infiniti cut into oncoming lanes to pass a few cars and run a red light at West Broad and Hubbard Street.

Hohn activated his lights and siren and attempted to pull the car over. When the car got stuck in traffic while construction crews were milling the road, Hohn watched as the driver jumped the double yellow lines to pass a few other cars stopped in traffic.

Hohn broke off the chase because it was getting too dangerous and saw the vehicle turn up High Street, police said.

Acting on a hunch because the street was so dark, Hohn radioed for a few patrol cars to cut off the area as they searched the back parking lots on the street before finding the Infiniti behind 18 High Street with its engine and transmission hot to the touch, he said.

On the front seat officers could see pay stubs and Keno tickets. Hohn said he noticed that one of the tickets had been purchased about 10 minutes before the chase began. Police called the owner of the Infiniti, who told them that her son, Brandon Neal Roberts, 35, had been driving the car that evening.

Police called Roberts, who turned out to be on foot in the Mill River area and he agreed to come up to High Street and talk to police.

After a short talk during which Hohn said he would be able to identify Roberts by going to the Atlantic Street Market and going through their video to see him purchase the Keno ticket just minutes before the chase began, Roberts admitted to leading the chase from West Broad Street, Hohn said.

Roberts was charged with engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving and resisting arrest and was freed after posting a $500 court appearance bond.