Connecticut
Trooper killed in hit-and-run crash was conducting traffic stop, state police say
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – A Connecticut State Police trooper was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 84 in Southington on Thursday.
State police identified the victim as Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, of Troop H in Hartford. He was a nine-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police.
Authorities said Pelletier, 34, was conducting a traffic stop on I-84 east near Exit 31 when he was struck.
“Preliminary information shows the right side wheels of the pickup were completely over the dividing line into the shoulder, sideswiped Trooper Pelletier’s cruiser and then struck Trooper Pelletier in the shoulder while he was speaking with the operator,” Sgt. Luke Davis, with Connecticut State Police, said.
Pelletier was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver who hit Pelletier drove away, state police said. The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was later located and taken into police custody on I-84 in Farmington.
“TFC Pelletier was a member of 125th Training Troop and a nine-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. TFC Pelletier served the citizens of the state of Connecticut with an unwavering sense of dedication, pride and professionalism, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten,” state police said.
Pelletier leaves behind his wife and two children.
He spent the past three years as a K-9 officer with K-9 Roso. Authorities said Roso was in the state police cruiser at the time of the crash, but was not hurt.
A miles-long procession was held in honor of Pelletier on Thursday evening and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont directed flags to half-staff in honor of the trooper.
“I am devastated to learn about the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today in the line of duty while serving the people of Connecticut. This is a tragic reminder about the dangers law enforcement face every day when they leave their homes and go to work. Trooper Pelletier served Connecticut with honor, integrity, and commitment, and he embodies the definition of public service. His courage and bravery will never be forgotten,” Gov. Lamont said, in part, in a statement released Thursday.
Both sides of I-84 in Southington were closed because of the crash, but have since reopened.
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Marina Mabrey torched her former team for 37 points as the Toronto Tempo came back from 14 down to beat the Connecticut Sun, 101-97, at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Former UConn women’s basketball star Olivia Nelson-Ododa had 13 points and three rebounds while Aaliyah Edwards had six points and two rebounds for the Sun. Kia Nurse did not score in just five minutes for the Tempo.
Click on picture to enlarge gallery
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.
Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.
The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.
No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.
Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials.
The crash scene has since been cleared.
Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.
One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.
The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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