Fatal Car Crash In Cheshire, Connecticut

CHESHIRE- State Police Troop-A was advised by State Police Lt. Benjamin Pagoni that he was attempting to stop a vehicle for motor vehicle violation when the car passed the trooper at a high rate of speed.  The car was occupied by two males on I-84 westbound approaching exit #26.  As the trooper attempted to stop the violator, the violator vehicle accelerated and attempted to flee off the exit #26 ramp. The driver lost control rolling struck the jersey barrier and rolled the car over onto the roof.

Lt. Pagoni approached the accident scene and stopped to render aid. As the trooper approached the overturned car an occupant exited the overturned car and began to physically assault the trooper. A Cheshire Police officer was parked in the commuter parking lot close to the crash site. The Cheshire Officer heard the crash and responded to the scene. The officer observed the assault in progress and the Officer approached to assist the trooper.  The suspect fled into the wooded area adjacent to the crash site. The Cheshire Officer was able to apprehend the fleeing suspect and return him to the scene.

State Police, Cheshire Fire and EMS all responded to the crash scene. The second occupant of the overturned car was pronounced dead at the scene. Lt. Pagoni and the suspect were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where they were treated and released. The scene was secured and State Police Accident reconstruction team and Major Crime Detectives responded to assist in this investigation.