Multiple Charges Follow Nighttime Head-On Crash

By Andrew Gorosko

Police have arrested a local man on multiple charges following a late-night two-car head-on accident on Toddy Hill Road in which the man walked away from the scene of the crash before being located by police at his home about two hours later.

Police said motorist Ian Doerr, 18, of 49 Spring Trail, Sandy Hook, was driving a 2000 Audi S-4 sedan northward on Toddy Hill Road, just south its intersection with Still Hill Road, about 11:15 pm April 25, when Doerr passed another northbound vehicle in a no-passing zone at the crest of a hill.

The Audi, which was then traveling northward in the southbound lane, collided head-on with a southbound 2005 Dodge Neon sedan driven by David S. Bowers, 26, of New Rochelle, N.Y., police said.

After rolling over, the Audi came to rest on its side in the northbound lane. The Dodge came to rest in the southbound lane and road shoulder.

Police said that Doerr left the scene of the accident on foot before they arrived.

Botsford firefighters responded to the accident scene. Police closed the area to through-traffic as they investigated the accident. The police department’s accident investigation team went to the scene to probe the collision.

Ambulance volunteers transported Bowers to Danbury Hospital, where he was treated for injuries and then released, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Newtown police called in a tracking dog from the Ridgefield Police Department for aid in finding Doerr, said police Lieutenant George Sinko. The dog picked up a scent but was not able to locate Doerr, Lt Sinko said.

About two hours after the crash, police located Doerr at his Spring Trail residence, which is more than four miles from the accident scene. Police said they arrested Doerr at his home, after which they transported him to the police station.

Police charged Doerr with passing in a no-passing zone, reckless driving, and evading responsibility. After he posted $100 bail, police released Doerr for a May 6 arraignment on the charges in Danbury Superior Court.

Doerr was transported to Danbury Hospital for medical attention for a leg wound, police said. Doerr was treated and then released, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

The case remains under investigation, police said. It is unclear if more charges would be filed against Doerr.

Considering the intensity of the impact between the two cars, it is surprising that the two drivers were not more seriously injured, Lt Sinko said.