Police refuse to ID retired cop who led them on drunken chase after armed standoff

A retired Connecticut police officer was arrested Tuesday after leading officers on a brief car chase following an armed standoff.

Police disputed social media reports that West Haven police officers engaged in a “shootout” with the retired city cop, reported the West Haven Register.

Investigators have refused to identify the retired officer, and they said the incident might have been triggered by an unspecified medical issue.

Officers were called to the man’s house about 3:30 p.m. because he was allegedly threatening to harm himself during a domestic dispute.

The man then struck a police squad car as he attempted to drive away in his pickup, and officers pursued him until he crashed downtown.

Authorities said they were aware the man was intoxicated, and they seized multiple handguns from his home.

Police recognized the former officer when he arrived, but the deputy police chief said he received no special treatment before or after his arrest.

“Could it have happened if we didn’t know him?” said Deputy Chief Joseph Perno. “Yes, it could have.”

He said police would have withheld the identity of anyone with similar medical issues.

Police have not specified which charges the retired cop faces.