Connecticut

Trooper killed in hit-and-run crash was conducting traffic stop, state police say

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2024

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.

A Connecticut State Police trooper was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Thursday, authorities said. (WFSB)

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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Connecticut

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

Published

6 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.

I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.

The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.

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Connecticut

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

Published

18 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.

There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.

There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.

A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.

In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.

On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.

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Connecticut

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

People in Westport have the chance to pick the best thing between sliced bread.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a kick-off event at Old Mill Grocery on Monday for The Great Westport Sandwich Contest.

The contest runs throughout March with 21 restaurants, delis and markets competing in 10 categories to be crowned the best sandwich maker.

Residents can vote in the following categories: Best chicken, best steak, best vegetarian, best combo, best club, best NY deli, best pressed sandwich, best breakfast sandwich, best wrap, and best fish/seafood sandwich.

After people sample sandwiches, they can vote for their favorites in each category on the chamber’s website. They will also be placed into a drawing to win a free sandwich from one of the 10 winners.

“Of course, the goal is to have people come to Westport and check out restaurants, our markets and our delis. This is a great promotion. I mean it is a competition, but mostly it’s to bring people to the restaurants. It also gives a great community activity because they are the ones who get to vote who makes the best one,” says Matthew Mandell, the chamber’s executive director.

Winners will be announced in April and receive a plaque.

The chamber has held similar contests to determine what establishment has the best pizza, burger, soup and salad.

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