A Norwich man was arrested early Friday morning following a single-vehicle crash in Orange that police say happened moments after the driver sped past a patrol cruiser.
Seconds Between a Speeding Car and a Crash
The incident happened around 1 a.m. while an Orange police officer was on routine patrol along Route 34. Police say the officer observed a Dodge Challenger traveling south toward Derby at what appeared to be a high rate of speed as it passed the cruiser.
According to police, just seconds after the car went by, the officer came upon the same vehicle after it had left the roadway and crashed into a group of trees near the intersection of Route 34 and Walnut Hill Road. Investigators say the driver lost control of the vehicle before the crash.
No Injuries Despite the Impact
Despite how severe the impact with the trees looked, police say no injuries were reported. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and no other cars were involved in the crash.
The Charges
The driver was identified as 24-year-old Jabouin Kervens of Norwich. Police say he was taken into custody at the scene and later charged with reckless driving, speeding, and failure to maintain his lane — allegations that remain unproven in court.
Authorities haven’t released information about what may have caused the driver to lose control beyond the alleged speed. Weather and road conditions weren’t cited as contributing factors, and police say the crash remains under review. The damaged vehicle was removed from the scene, and the roadway was cleared shortly after, with no property damage reported beyond the trees.
What’s Next
Kervens is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Derby on Jan. 5, 2026, to answer to the charges. Police say the case will proceed through the court system, where the circumstances surrounding the crash and the alleged driving behavior will be addressed. Officials emphasized that incidents like this highlight the dangers of excessive speed, particularly during overnight hours when road conditions and visibility can increase risks for drivers.