A Bethel man who fled from police trying to serve a warrant kidnapped a person at gunpoint and fled in a stolen car. Newtown Police say Danbury officers and the Western Connecticut Regional SWAT team were in the Hawleyville area yesterday.  The warrant is for firearms ralted charges.

The individual, 33-year old Christopher Lemke, fled from the residence through the woods on foot and emerged in a nearby neighborhood.  He entered an unlocked residence and kidnapped a person gunpoint fleeing the scene. 

Newtown Police say the victim was able to escape a very short distance away and was not physically injured. 

State Police heard the vehicle description and engaged in a short pursuit east on I-84 near the Rochambeau Bridge.  The vehicle was involved in a crash near exit 15 and Lemke was apprehended. 

Charges are pending from Newtown. 

State Police charged Lemke with reckless endangerment, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, criminal possession of a pistol, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.