• 2025-09-25 22:05:30
• Drug Abuse

FAIRFIELD, CT — What started with a broken brake light last week in Fairfield, ended with a 22-year-old Bridgeport man being arrested on a host of charges, including engaging police in a pursuit, Patch has learned.

Paulo Alves Da Silva was arrested on Sept. 17 on the following charges:

• Interfering With Officer
• Engaging Police In Pursuit
• Reckless Driving
• Misuse of Plates
• No Insurance
• Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
• Operating Without a License
• Improper Display
• Failure to Display Lights

The incident began when a Fairfield patrol officer spotted a Jeep "with a tinted rear plate cover that prevented the officer from reading the license plate, and a broken brake light," Sgt. Jenna Wellington said in a statement to Patch.

"The officer attempted to initiate a stop using his emergency lights, however the operator entered the highway at an accelerated speed," Wellington said. "In accordance with Connecticut law, the officer did not pursue, but observed the Jeep driving in the breakdown lane and passing cars."

After exiting I-95 at the next exit, the officer soon located the same Jeep stuck in traffic.

"The officer was able to block the vehicle in and place the driver under arrest," Wellington said. "An investigation determined the license plate on the Jeep was fake, the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured, and the operator had no license."

According to Wellington, the Jeep was towed from the scene and is being stored in a local tow yard. Alves Da Silva, who was released on a $1,500 non-surety bond, will have the opportunity to get it back, provided he can provide proof of registration and insurance.

If not, "state law allows the tow company to assume ownership," Wellington said.

Alves Da Silva is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Oct. 1.