Police: woman in stolen car hits three Manchester police cruisers, nearly hit officer

A woman who was driving an allegedly stolen car ran into three police cruisers in Manchester late Tuesday and nearly struck an officer during an escape attempt, police said.

Lisa French, 51, was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree assault, criminal attempt to commit assault on a police officer, evading responsibility, reckless driving, theft of a motor vehicle, interfering with an officer, possession of narcotics and first-degree reckless endangerment, according to the Manchester Police Department.

Police said officers Tuesday night found an allegedly stolen 2012 Nissan Altima in the Plaza at Buckland Hills Parking lot at 1428 Pleasant Valley Road. The vehicle was believed to be involved in a shoplifting at Dick’s Sporting Goods hours earlier, according to police.

Several Manchester police officers in unmarked cars approached the Altima – which had been stolen in Hartford – and exited their vehicles, identifying themselves as law enforcement, police said.

“In her desperate attempt to escape, she recklessly struck three Manchester Police Department vehicles and another vehicle in the parking lot, putting the safety of officers and the public at risk,” Manchester police Lt. Ryan Shea said in a statement on the arrest.

Shea also said French nearly hit an officer wit the car.

The Altima became disabled nearby and a witness reported seeing French and another occupant of the vehicle run into the Hampton Inn next door, police said.

Police said they converged on the building and took French into custody. She was held in lieu of $110,000 bail and was expected to be arraigned in Manchester Superior Court on Wednesday.