2 Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Runs

Im glad streets have been made in these two fatal crashes that resulted in the deaths of pedestrians. I hope it makes drivers think twice about their behavior behind the wheel.

For decades, New Haven has witnessed a tragic string of fatal hit-and-run incidents. In 1994, my boyfriend, Richard Riccio, became a victim on the Tomlinson Bridge (Forbes Avenue) when a hit-and-run driver struck him without even applying the brakes, callously leaving him to perish on the road. What compounded the anguish was the identification of the perpetrator. Shockingly, despite being identified, the individual escaped prosecution. Michael Dearington, the State's Attorney at the time, informed me that the Statute of Limitations was nearly expired (5 years), leading to the decision not to pursue legal action. The rationale provided was baffling withholding the perpetrator's name supposedly out of fairness since no arrest was made. But was it fair to abandon a 24-year-old to die on the street? I wish someone would look into this injustice aswell.

There are a number of additional charges that could have been brought against the drivers, ranging from negligent homicide with a motor vehicle to misconduct with a motor vehicle (a felony). Nora, did the police indicate whether they were contemplating additional charges?

The law requires that cameras used to enforce speeding and red light laws be located in a way to avoid a disproportionate impact on black and brown drivers. This is appropriate and there are measures in the ConnDOT program guidelines to enforce this. But black and brown pedestrians are disproportionately victims of car crashes. The Board of Alders should consider this as well in implementing the law.

The improvements on Sherman Parkway should help. A number of local traffic safety advocates have urged the city to create a mechanism that could be used to track the installation of traffic safety/traffic calming measures. I believe city officials are acting in good faith. But the years-long delay in installing pedestrian and cyclist safety measures on Edgewood Avenue highlights what can happen with such projects. Having a tracking system would help keep local officials accountable.

Heather, thank you so much for your comment, it really touched me that someone cared. It's a topic I feel so strongly about, I can understand that pedestrian accidents happen . I was driving to work one day and a teenager on a little bike rode right in front of me and I slammed on my brakes so hard that my brake line broke, I had to put on my emergency brake and drive to work luckily I was not far away with no brakes, but all I was concerned about was that I didn't hit him. But it made me think again how do you hit a human being and just speed off? And even if you were scared enough to do that, turn yourself in later gosh they only get like 2 years anyway. I was 21 when that happened and Richie was 24 and my life was never the same again.

Tryingtobehumble, thanks. I am not a lawyer and have only nodding familiarity with the Freedom of Information Act. Generally, the act requires disclosure of public records to anyone who asks. But there are lots of exceptions, notably in the context of on-going investigations. Here is a primer you may find useful, https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/FOI/Misc/FOIC-Primer-of-1215--for-distribution-with-disclaimer-on-topas-of-4282023.pdf.

Apart from FOIA, the New Haven Independent generally does not disclose the names of arrestees as a matter of policy. I support this policy, but will leave it to Paul to explain its rationale.