WILTON — Police said a New Vineyard man is charged with driving recklessly and under the influence on Wilton streets and through residential yards Saturday.

Kirk Hamel, 43, was arrested shortly after noon Saturday on charges of domestic violence assault, assault on Wilton police officer Gary Allen and Farmington police Sgt. Ed Hastings, refusal to submit to arrest, driving under the influence of drugs, violation of conditions of release and reckless conduct with a motor vehicle.

He was also charged with driving after suspension, criminal mischief and driving an unregistered vehicle, according to a news release from Wilton Police Chief Heidi Wilcox.

Allen responded after police received “multiple reports of a black Camaro driving recklessly over lawns and screeching tires in the roadway,” Wilcox said. The Camaro was reported traveling on Main Street toward Farmington and Hastings helped Allen locate the vehicle on Tyler Street in Wilton.

Hamel was arrested when he assaulted his girlfriend in front of the officers, Wilcox said.

“The officers said he was hallucinating and fought with them,” she said. “He was repeatedly kicking and striking at both officers in the head and face. A Taser was deployed multiple times with little to no effect. Additional officers responded from Jay and Franklin County to help.”

Allen and Hastings received minor injuries but returned to duty.

The charge of reckless conduct with a motor vehicle against Hamel, according to Wilcox, was the result of Hamel nearly striking some people and a dog when he drove through yards. Several homeowners were concerned because children often play there, she said.

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