Car rams front of police department

Norwich, Conn. (WTNH) - Norwich police say a man intentionally drove his pick-up truck into the police department.

It was a close call at the Norwich Police Department after a Chevy pick-up truck barrelled into the Thames Street building.

Sgt. Jim Tetreault said, "In fact, officers had walked into the door moments before this occurred and they all report the building shook when the vehicle struck."

Police say 51 year old Kevin Vary was behind the wheel of the truck when it smashed through the front doors Sunday night.

"The front of the vehicle was through the doors. The doors were pushed in and laying against the interior of the building. The center pillar was just pushed in," said Sgt. Tetreault.

Luckily, no one was injured in the collision.

Other than some minor motor vehicle incidents, Sgt. Tetreault says Vary has not had any run-ins with police, but this was apparently no accident.
 
"It was purposely purposely done and it was an act of looking for assistance," he said.

Vary, who was not injured in the crash, was brought to The William Backus Hospital. Hospital personel say he is in good condition.

Vary was charged with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and reckless driving. He's due in court later this month.

In the meantime, police have to have a new set of doors custom made.

"Some structural damage some minor structural damage to the ceiling," said Sgt. Tetreault.

The building inspector said that if the truck had just moved over a few inches there would have been considerably more damage to the building.

In the meantime, until the doors are replaced, there are some inner doors which will provide the only barrier for the police department.