NEWINGTON, Conn. (AP) – A half-naked trucker driving the wrong way on the Berlin Turnpike early Sunday took police on a chase through three towns and hit a cruiser before he was apprehended, police said.

Steven Reed, 44, of Portland, Maine, was spotted driving his tractor cab south in the northbound lanes through Newington and Wethersfield about 5 a.m. As police from surrounding towns tried to stop the truck, the driver pulled into a parking lot in West Hartford, turned the vehicle around and rammed a Newington police car on his way out. The officer was not injured.

The truck continued back into Newington where it struck a median and stopped.

Police said Reed, who was not wearing pants, jumped from the cab and was apprehended.

He was charged with numerous violations including reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit and driving under the influence.

Reed was being held on $100,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in New Britain Superior Court on Monday.

AP-ES-11-21-04 1919EST



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