BRANFORD, Conn. -- Police said a routine motor-vehicle stop in Branford early Wednesday morning sparked a police pursuit into New Haven.

Police said that as they approached the vehicle driven by Branford resident Leonard Anderson, 31, it sped off and entered Interstate 91 south at the exit 55 onramp at about 1:11 a.m.

Officers said they followed the vehicle and that the sole person in the car began throwing small objects out the driver's-side window.

Police said other officers were later able to retrieve the items, which they determined to be marijuana and cocaine.

The vehicle exited the highway at exit 51 in East Haven and led police on a chase down several side streets into New Haven, police said.

Officers said that at one point, Anderson drove straight toward a Branford police cruiser and narrowly missed it. They said he later lost control of the vehicle and made contact with a Branford cruiser attempting to block him in against a bridge abutment.

Anderson was taken into custody without any further incident.

Branford police said they have stepped up stopping suspicious people and motor vehicles due to an increase in overnight burglaries in the area.

Branford has been experiencing a number of overnight burglaries in the past several months. As a result officers have stepped up their proactive patrols in the business district. These proactive measures include stopping suspicious motor vehicles and persons.

"The officers on the overnight shift are engaged in the reduction of overnight burglaries in our community; that includes stopping suspicious people and enforcing motor vehicle laws, and although there is no evidence that Mr. Anderson is responsible for those crimes, he certainly was engaged in criminal activity," Branford Police Chief John DeCarlo said.

Anderson was charged with criminal attempt to assault a police officer, possession of narcotics, interfering with a police officer, reckless operation, engaging officer in pursuit, operating under suspension, operating a unregistered vehicle and operating with out insurance.

He is being held on a $75,000 bond.