STAMFORD, Conn. — A Bronx man accused of robbing and assaulting an off-duty NYPD officer before leading police on a high-speed chase into Connecticut was ordered held on $1 million bail Friday after a tense court appearance.
Jonser Hernandez-Mota, 27, appeared remotely before Stamford Superior Court where Judge Alex Hernandez cited the defendant’s “contemptuous” behavior during the arraignment. The judge said Hernandez-Mota spoke without permission and had to be muted, noting that his demeanor and criminal history warranted a high bond.
“He fled at high speed, drove the wrong way near this courthouse, and poses an extraordinary risk to the public,” the judge said.
Police Pursuit and Crash
According to Connecticut State Police, Hernandez-Mota was driving a BMW X3 with Montana plates wanted in connection with a robbery and assault on an off-duty NYPD officer, as well as another strong-arm robbery earlier the same day.
Police from Greenwich, Stamford, and the state followed the car into Connecticut around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, spotting it on I-95 northbound before it turned onto Canal Street in Stamford—going the wrong way down an exit ramp and driving recklessly through downtown.
Troopers tried to stop the vehicle, but it fled, eventually crashing into the woods off the Merritt Parkway’s Exit 34 ramp. Hernandez-Mota and his passenger, Betsy Bermudez, attempted to run but were caught shortly after.
A state trooper was seriously injured in the pursuit crash and required several staples in his head, according to Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Bivona. He called Hernandez-Mota a “flight risk” and a “serious danger to the community,” citing his alleged second robbery of the day and multiple warrants in five states.
Criminal History Across States
Prosecutors revealed Hernandez-Mota’s criminal past, including:
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Massachusetts: Convictions for burglary tools, larceny, and attempted bank depository break-ins.
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Pennsylvania: Convictions for aggravated assault, escape, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
He now faces Connecticut charges including:
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Two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment
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Interfering with an officer
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Engaging police in pursuit
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Multiple motor vehicle offenses
His passenger, Betsy Bermudez, was also arrested and charged with interfering with an officer and reckless use of a limited access highway. She was released on bond and is due in court next month.
Awaiting Next Court Date
A Spanish-speaking translator assisted Hernandez-Mota during the remote arraignment. He is scheduled to return to court on September 17, when a not guilty plea is expected to be entered. The Connecticut Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent him.
Charges in New York related to the NYPD officer assault were not addressed in Friday’s hearing.
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