On 08/28/2024 at approximately 11:39 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop G in Bridgeport responded to I-95 Southbound in the area of Exit 17 in Westport for a disabled tractor trailer in a hazardous location in the median portion of the highway.

Prior to reaching the tractor trailer, the trooper was advised that the tractor trailer operator was observed leaving the scene on an electric scooter, crossed the three travel lanes of the highway, and was last seen driving the electric scooter southbound in the right shoulder.

Upon locating the tractor trailer operator, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren and the operator of the scooter complied and came to a stop in the right shoulder. Once stopped, the Trooper positively identified the male operator as James Wesley Aldridge, DOB 04/21/1989, of Washington, D.C..

During their interactions, Aldridge became hostile and uncooperative toward the Trooper, throwing his scooter to the ground and advancing toward the Trooper in an aggressive manner. The Trooper issued multiple directives for Aldridge to sit down, but Aldridge ignored the Troopers instructions.

In response, the Trooper prepared to deploy their State Police canine partner, K-9 Gatti, for possible apprehension. Aldridge again failed to comply with verbal directives, retrieved his scooter and began to drive away. At this time, the Trooper released K-9 Gatti to apprehend Aldridge, however Aldridge accelerated at such a high rate of speed that K-9 Gatti was unable to catch up. 

The Trooper and K9 returned to their cruiser and attempted to locate Aldridge. Utilizing DOT highway cameras in the area, Troop G dispatch personnel observed Aldridge exiting the highway at the Exit 17 off-ramp. Two additional responding Troopers posted at the end of the Exit 17 off-ramp and intercepted Aldridge shortly thereafter.

Aldridge began to actively fight with Troopers and physically resisted Troopers’ efforts to secure him in handcuffs. The initial responding Trooper arrived on scene and observed Aldridge actively fighting the other Troopers.

The Trooper again issued multiple verbal directives to Aldridge, who did not comply. In response, the Trooper deployed K-9 Gatti to conduct a controlled apprehension, resulting in Aldridge sustaining a bite to his right thigh.

Aldridge then attempted to assault and choke K9 Gatti, but was unsuccessful as Troopers quickly freed K-9 Gatti from Aldridge’s hold.

With the assistance of Westport Officers, Troopers were able to gain control of Aldridge. After being secured in handcuffs, EMS was requested. Aldridge continued to display aggressive and combative behavior, to include spitting at investigators, and was subsequently transported to an area hospital for evaluation. 

Troopers at the scene reported minor injuries as a result of their efforts to secure Aldridge; K-9 Gatti did not sustain injuries.

During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Aldridge was the subject of an active extraditable arrest warrant, held by the Grain Valley Police Department in Grain Valley, Missouri, in connection with a felony charge of Harassment in the First Degree. Additionally, it was learned that the active arrest warrant was approved for nationwide extradition.

Based upon this information detailed above, Aldridge was taken into state police custody.

After being evaluated and released from the hospital, Aldridge was transported to the Bridgeport Correctional Center, where he was processed and charged with the following violations, under two separate incidents:

C.G.S. 54-170 – Fugitive from Justice Without a Warrant

For the above charge, Aldridge was held on a $250,000 bond and scheduled for arraignment at Stamford Superior Court, on 08/29/2024.

State Police additionally charged Aldridge with the following violations:

C.G.S. 53a-167c – Assault on a Public Safety Officer (six counts)

C.G.S. 53-247 – Cruelty to Animals (two counts)

C.G.S. 53a-167a – Interfering with an Officer

C.G.S. 53-182 – Reckless Use of a Highway by a Pedestrian

C.G.S. 14-251 – Improper Parking

C.G.S. 14-12(a)* – Operating/Parking an Unregistered Motor Vehicle

Aldridge was held on a $100,000 bond in connection with these charges and is scheduled for arraignment at Stamford Superior Court, on 08/29/2024.