Correctional Officer Arrested After Kidnapping, High-Speed Chase, and 8-Hour Standoff in Connecticut
NEWINGTON, Conn. — A 36-year-old correctional officer, John Lacen-Romero, is facing a series of felony charges after allegedly assaulting his wife, kidnapping their two young children, and leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in an eight-hour standoff on Interstate 95 in Stamford.
According to authorities, the incident began September 21 when Lacen-Romero reportedly assaulted his wife at their Newington home before taking their two children, ages 4 and 7, and fleeing the scene. Police pursued him as he sped south on I-95, striking multiple vehicles and forcing parts of the highway to be shut down.
After crashing in Stamford, Lacen-Romero barricaded himself and the children in his disabled SUV. Negotiators and SWAT teams surrounded the vehicle for eight tense hours before safely rescuing the children and taking Lacen-Romero into custody.
He now faces charges including first-degree assault, kidnapping, child endangerment, reckless driving, vehicular assault, evading arrest, and weapons offenses. His bail has been set at $1 million.
Authorities say the children were unharmed but are receiving medical and psychological care. Domestic violence advocates and local officials have condemned the violence and pledged support for the victims.
Police praised the coordinated response that prevented further tragedy. The case has sparked renewed calls for stronger domestic violence prevention measures and safeguards for children caught in dangerous family situations.
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