Suspect Escapes Via River

From the Middletown Police Department

At approximately 2:56AM, suspect Brandon Drake was observed walking southbound on DeKoven Drive by a Middletown patrol officer.  The officer recognized Drake from past encounters and also knew that Drake had outstanding warrants.  The officer attempted to stop Drake but he immediately fled and a foot chase ensued across train tracks toward Rt.9.  Drake ran across the south and northbound lanes of the highway causing oncoming vehicles to make emergency stops to avoid collisions.  With back up on the way, the officer pursued Drake into the Harbor Park area towards the river where ground conditions were extremely hazardous due to the recently receding river.  Drake climbed over a fence and onto a dock where he continued to run southbound with officers pursuing him on foot parallel to the fence.  At one point, Drake became winded and stopped.  Officers commanded him to surrender and made attempts to apprehend him.  To avoid capture, Drake jumped into the Connecticut River and swam east toward the center.  Middletown Officers pleaded for him to return to shore but their attempts were ignored. 

Middletown Police and Fire rescue units responded with boats and watercraft equipment to search the river for Drake.  The US Coast Guard was contacted and agreed to send a helicopter from the Cape Cod area.  They also assisted by preparing to launch a Cutter at 6:17 AM for the rescue effort. 

At approximately 5:20AM Middletown officers went to Drake’s mother’s residence at 78 Saybrook Road in Middletown, CT to notify her that attempts to rescue her son from the river were currently underway after attempting to apprehend him.  Drake’s mother informed officers that she recently had contact with Drake and that he was safe.  She contacted Drake by phone and allowed officers to speak with him.  He personally told officers that he was safe but would not disclose his location. 

At that point, officers were convinced that Drake was no longer in the Connecticut River.  The rescue search was called off. 

Although Brandon Drake is believed to be safe, he may be suffering from injuries related to the aforementioned events.  His well being is of great concern to police.  In addition, Brandon Drake has a total of three warrants pending for his arrest with numerous others being reviewed for approval at GA-9 Middletown Superior Court.  Drake has a domestic related warrant from July 21, 2011 with charges of 2 counts of Assault in the Third Degree and 2 counts of Threatening in the Second Degree with a $25,000.00 bond.  There are also two re-arrest warrants pending for him out of GA-9 for failing to appear in court with bonds totaling $60,000.00.   

If anyone has seen or knows the whereabouts of Brandon Drake (9/20/1989), please contact your local police department and/or the Middletown Police at 860-344-3200.  Brandon Drake is a light skinned black male, 5’9”-5’11”, thin build, with long bushy hair worn in a pony tail.  He more than likely has changed clothing since having contact with police.