New Haven Independent

Alberto Fonseca, who lives in Naugatuck, was arrested Tuesday following a nearly month-long police inquiry. Fonseca was held, then later released when he posted a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on Sept 17.

The bicyclist, Madeleine Lastrange, a town resident, was seriously injured in the Aug. 4 hit-and-run. She has since been released from Yale-New Haven Hospital, Lt. Geoffrey Morgan said.

Fonseca faces two charges, evading responsibility, a felony, and failing to drive in an established lane. The collision occurred on August 4 near Ivy and Chestnut streets; the bike and the truck were going in the same direction. Police say Fonesca veered into the bicyclist. As a result, he is also charged with not being in the correct lane.

Lastrange, 50, was thrown on the hood of the truck and carried a short distance. Then she fell off. According to police, the truck “literally drove over the bicycle and then just kept going down the road.”

Fonseca was working on a construction site at nearby Cedar Street. While police had identified the suspect almost immediately, Fonseca hired an attorney and decided he would not cooperate with police.

Police Officer Michael Bonfiglio, the arresting officer, tracked Fonseca down soon after the hit and run occurred.

Branford Police then went to court to obtain a search warrant to examine his truck, which they seized in connection with the hit and run. Next came a state forensic examination. When sufficient evidence was gathered, the police arrested Fonseca.

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