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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Amtrak says it will not close any railroad bridges along Connecticut’s shoreline during the 2026 World Cup, backing away from a potential proposal that had sparked concerns from boaters, harbor officials, and marine businesses.
In an email Tuesday to NBC Connecticut, Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams said: “At this time, in coordination with the Coast Guard, we will not be closing any bridges on the Connecticut Coast Line during the tournament.”
The statement is a shift from a plan previously circulating among members of the boating community. That proposal outlined possible hourslong closures of several movable railroad bridges on the Connecticut shoreline on dates tied to World Cup matches in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The affected bridges would have included the spans over the Connecticut River, Niantic River, Shaw’s Cove, Thames River and Mystic River.
The proposal had raised alarms among charter boat operators, harbor masters and marine industry leaders, who warned the closures could disrupt navigation during the height of the summer season, create safety risks on crowded waterways and hurt businesses that depend on fishing and recreational boating.
Amtrak also said is “exploring all options to move travelers safely and reliably during the World Cup with minimal interruption and inconvenience to local communities, visitors, and other stakeholders and travelers.”
Fans are expected to use rail service along the Northeast Corridor to travel to matches in the Northeast, including in the Boston area, where passengers would use connecting service to reach the stadium in Foxborough.
Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard told NBC Connecticut it was reviewing Amtrak’s request related to the bridge proposal.
“The Coast Guard has received Amtrak’s request for the bridge closures and are reviewing it to reach a final decision. When that decision is made, the Coast Guard will work with Amtrak. We are also aware of the mariners and boating communities concerns regarding this,” the Coast Guard had said.
It was not immediately clear whether Amtrak had formally withdrawn that request or whether the rail operator’s latest statement means the bridge closures are no longer under consideration.
NBC Connecticut reached out to the Coast Guard to request additional information.
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