Bridgeport police: Man shot by officer during attempted traffic stop crashed into vehicles, drove toward police

Bridgeport police say the man who claimed he was shot unprovoked by an officer had an illegal handgun on him and backed into a civilian car and unmarked police car during a traffic stop Tuesday.

In the preliminary report, officials say police got a tip that the car driven by 31-year-old Dennis Waiters had an illegal handgun in it and was planning to use it.

Officials say five police cruisers tried to stop Waiters' car at the intersection of Main and Catherine streets.

They say four of the five police cars had their sirens and lights on. Police say Waiters then backed into both a civilian car right behind him and an unmarked cruiser.

MORE: 'Who wouldn't be scared?' - Bridgeport man says he was shot by police officer unprovoked

A Bridgeport police officer was wedged between the inside driver's door and frame.

Police say Waiters' car then drove toward officers. That's when police officer Carlos Vasquez fired a single gunshot at the car, which entered Waiters' door and struck his leg.

Waiters was treated for his injuries at Bridgeport Hospital. The other passenger, Lamaine Heard, of Bridgeport, got out of the car and ran before police apprehended her.

A semi-automatic loaded handgun was found on the floor of the car.

The Bridgeport State's Attorney Office is reviewing if Waiters or Heard will be charged in the incident.

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