HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Two weeks after a Farmington police officer suffered serious injuries in a collision involving a stolen vehicle, fellow Farmington officers witnessed the arraignment of the suspect in Hartford Superior Court.
On Tuesday, Pedro Acevedo, 32, of New Britain was arraigned primarily on charges of assault after he allegedly slammed a stolen vehicle into Farmington Officer James O'Donnell on September 20 while trying to flee a theft-related crime scene, police said.
According to Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson, the investigation has grown since his arrest after detectives identified connections to several other investigations.
"There was another car stolen that night. He had an accomplice and our detectives are working hard on that. We have also tied in several other crimes to this: armed robberies, ATM thefts, catalytic converter thefts. So, this is just the very beginning," Melanson explained.
For this offense, Acevedo's bond was raised to $750,000, following a week of being imprisoned on another larceny charge stemming from another stolen vehicle, Melanson said.
"He's been terrorizing Connecticut citizens for years and today, he was brought to justice once again," Melanson said.
The collision led to O'Donnell's pelvis being crushed, among other injuries, Melanson said. Those injuries are expected to keep him in the hospital for at least another four weeks.
The hope, Melanson said, is to have O'Donnell rejoin the force in about a year.
Farmington Police are organizing fundraisers to help raise funds that will support O'Donnell's family while he is in recovery, including a match of flag football scheduled for Saturday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Farmington High School.