
Norwich. CT - A trooper who intentionally rammed a suspect’s vehicle in Norwich last fall was not justified in using that kind of force, according to the state inspector general.

Trooper Wilfred Blanchette used his cruiser to ram a speeding Honda Accord multiple times on Nov. 24, 2025, according to Inspector General Eliot Prescott.

However, Prescott said no charges would be pursued.

The incident happened on Route 2 in Norwich.

The accord slammed into a guardrail.

Prescott noted that no one was seriously hurt.

He identified the people in the Accord as Jesus Santiago and Tyloine Reddick.

Blanchette said Santiago, the driver, was going between 80 and 90 mph and swerved in and of a lane.

The trooper used a license plate reader to scan the registration, which came back as belonging ton a BMW, not an Accord.

As a result of that and the speeding, Blanchette felt he had probable cause to conduct a stop.

He activated his lights and siren, but Santiago drove off. Blanchette pursued.

Santiago reached 120 mph on Route 2, state police said.

Another trooper deployed stop sticks near exit 25 in Colchester, which deflated a tire.

However, Santiago was able to continue driving, even with the lack of a tire.

Blanchette asked his sergeant multiple times if he could ram the Accord.

The sergeant granted permission.

Prescott said Blanchette accelerated to 78 mph and collided with the rear-end of the car.

He hit it a second time, which caused the Accord to hit the guardrail.

Blanchette struck the vehicle for a third time, causing the Accord to hit the guardrail again.

“When troopers approached the Accord with firearms drawn, the operator, Santiago, was in the rear passenger seat,” Prescott said. “The passenger, Reddick, remained in the front passenger seat and the driver’s side airbags had deployed.”

Prescott concluded that two of the collisions constituted “use of deadly force.”

“I further conclude that his use of deadly physical force was not legally justified under the totality of the circumstances,” Prescott said.

“However, I have decided not to pursue criminal charges against W. Blanchette.”

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