September 27, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chief Erik Costa, 860-638-4100

PRESS RELEASE - PURSUIT ARREST I-91 North

On September 27, 2023 at approximately 11:03pm, Middletown Street Crime Unit Detectives were conducting surveillance in the area of 62 Silver Street due to recent complaints of drug activity. Detectives observed two vehicles enter the secluded area of the property. One of the vehicles, a black Nissan Altima, exited moments later. Based on the brief time the Nissan was on the property, Detectives suspected that the occupants were engaged in drug sales. MPD Detectives began following the Nissan and noted that there was no visible marker plate. Based on their training and experience, Detectives knew that suspects involved in drug sales frequently remove their marker plates to avoid being identified.  

Detectives followed the Nissan to River Road at Harbor Drive and activated their emergency lights in an effort to stop the occupants. One Detective blocked the Nissan’s path from the front and another Detective blocked the rear of the vehicle. As one Detective approached the vehicle, the operator of the Nissan put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated backwards, striking the Middletown cruiser behind it. The operator then accelerated forward and drove directly at another Detective at a high rate of speed. It appeared that the operator was trying to hit the Detective in order to flee but the Detective was able to move out of the vehicle’s path to avoid injury. The vehicle traveled north on Harbor Drive and entered Route 9 North.

Detectives and Middletown Patrol Officers were able to catch up to the vehicle near exit 25 on Route 9. They noted that the rear bumper of the vehicle had broken off from striking the cruiser and was dragging behind the vehicle. Detectives and Officers observed the operator driving at a high rate of speed, recklessly swerving between lanes, and driving in the break down lane. The reckless operation placed the public and vehicle occupants in immediate danger so Officers continued to pursue the Nissan. The vehicle continued onto Interstate 91 North. Officers and Detectives were able to block the vehicle’s path but the operator continuously swerved toward cruisers in an effort to flee. The police were eventually able to block the vehicle’s path and end the pursuit without incident in the area of Exit 25-26 on I-91.

Officers removed the occupants of the Nissan. The driver was identified as 32-year-old Shicondra Perry of 98 Liberty Street, Apt 3W, in Middletown, CT. The passenger of the Nissan was identified as 40-year-old Kevin Morant of 91 Lebanon Street in Hartford, CT. During the investigation, Detectives located a digital scale often associated with drug sales and a glass pipe often associated with drug use. Morant made a number of statements to the police that he encouraged Perry to keep driving and not stop for the police.

After investigation, Shicondra Perry was arrested and charged with Reckless Endangerment 1^st Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Engaging Police in a Pursuit, Failure to Drive in Proper Lane, and Failure to Display Plates. She was held on a $500,000 surety bond and scheduled to appear in Middletown Court on 09-27-2023.

Morant was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment 1^st Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Driving, and Conspiracy to Commit Engaging Police in a Pursuit. He was held on a $500,000 surety bond and scheduled to appear in Middletown Court on 09-27-2023.