Groton — A Groton man was charged with 24 criminal and motor vehicle offenses Tuesday after town police say he fled from a traffic stop and later rammed a police cruiser.

Allen Burgos Jr., 21, of 173 Route 12 was charged with criminal attempt to engage police in a pursuit, second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree criminal mischief, possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to carry a license, two counts each of interfering with a police officer, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, driving without insurance, driving with a suspended license, passing on the right and improper use of plates and three counts each of making an improper turn and evading responsibility. He was released on a promise to appear July 24 in New London Superior Court.

Police said that at 9:02 a.m. Tuesday, they stopped Burgos on Route 12 near Taco Bell after an officer observed him committing several moving violations. Burgos then fled, driving onto the Interstate 95 southbound on-ramp. Police were unable to apprehend him and other area police departments were alerted to be on the lookout for his car.

At 10:37 a.m., police said they spotted Burgos walking in the parking lot of the Super 8 Motel on Long Hill Road. As Burgos approached the car police said he had been driving in the earlier incident, an arriving officer positioned his cruiser behind Burgos' car and got out.

Police said Burgos then put his car in reverse, striking the front of the cruiser. He then accelerated forward, driving over a curb and into the wooded area behind the hotel before fleeing on foot. A K-9 unit located Burgos in the woods a short time later. The K-9 unit and officers received minor injuries from tracking through the woods.

t.hartz@theday.com