An Uber driver was arrested in Enfield early Wednesday morning after police tried to stop him several times, according to Enfield police.
A spokesperson for Uber called the driver's behavior "unacceptable" and said they have removed his access to the app.
Police said they tried to stop the driver, Michael Lenares, 66, of East Windsor. around 3:45 a.m., but he didn't stop.
A short time later, the vehicle was found at the Enfield Square Mall. Police said Lenares had a passenger in the vehicle, the customer was able to get out of the vehicle at the mall and Lenares fled again.
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Lenares later called the police department, “warning” police to stop harassing him, police said.
Around 6 a.m., Lenares and the vehicle were found at the Enfield Mobil Station and spikes were placed under the tires in an attempt to get him to stop.
Police said Lenares again resisted attempts by police officers to take him into custody and they used pepper spray, but Lenares again fled from the officers.
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The spikes deflated two of the tires and officers followed Lenares onto Interstate 91 South, where he hit the guardrail near exit 46.
“The behavior displayed by this driver is unacceptable,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement.
“We expect all drivers on the Uber platform to adhere to all laws and rules of the road. We’ve removed this driver’s access to the app and are standing ready to assist the Enfield Police Department with their investigation,” the statement went on to say.
Lenares was taken into custody and charged with three counts of engaging police in a pursuit, possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, two counts of reckless endangerment in the second degree, possession of crack cocaine and reckless driving.
Lenares is being held on a $50,000 bond.
