Connecticut

Driver confesses to taking fentanyl, cocaine before fatal hit-and-run of CT state trooper

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2024

Driver confesses to taking fentanyl, cocaine before fatal hit-and-run of CT state trooper

The driver accused of fatally striking Connecticut Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, and then fleeing the scene, has been arrested.

Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 44, is facing a slew of charges in connection with the deadly hit-and-run, including manslaughter in the second degree, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol and evading responsibility death.

According to an arrest report obtained by NBC Connecticut, Oyola-Sanchez confessed to taking fentanyl, cocaine and what he believed was Klonopin before the deadly crash, which occurred Thursday afternoon.

Connecticut Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier.

Pelletier had stopped a car on Interstate 84 East in Southington and was standing outside of his cruiser when Oyola-Sanchez’s pickup truck swerved onto the shoulder. Authorities said his vehicle initially struck the police cruiser, and then Pelletier, who’d been talking to the driver he’d just pulled over.

The highway was closed for hours as police investigated the incident and tracked down the suspect.

Oyola-Sanchez continued driving, stopping only after his tire blew on I-84 East in Farmington. He was taken into custody shortly thereafter, and it’s far from the first time he has been arrested.

In 2007, Oyola-Sanchez was convicted of third degree murder in Puerto Rico and sentenced to serve six years in prison, CT Insider reported. It’s unclear how long he actually spent behind bars. The following year, he was charged with three counts of attempted homicide.

Pelletier leaves behind his wife, Dominique, and two young sons, Troy and Zachary.

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Connecticut

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

Published

7 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.

“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”

Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.

Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.

Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.

“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.

Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.

Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.

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Connecticut

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Published

17 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Chip Rubenstein, owner of Chip’s Auto Sales of Milford, says he’s honored to celebrate the dealership’s 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.

“I opened Chip’s Auto Sales in 1976, during a chaotic time for our nation in the world,” said Rubenstein, “50 years later, I am so proud of the legacy I’ve created as somebody who always tried his best to do right, and to serve my community proudly.”

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