Following Too Close On I-84

Connecticut State Police police report a 2012 Dodge Caravan, which was being operated by Peter C. Whittlesey, 76, of New Bern, N.C., failed to stop in time as vehicles ahead slowed for traffic around 3 pm Thursday, July 22.

The Caravan struck the rear of a 2015 Ford Escape being operated by Dennis Martello of Watertown. The force of the collision then sent the Escape into the rear of a 2019 Lincoln MKC compact SUV being operated by Dominic R. Depiano of Naugatuck.

All three drivers and a passenger in the Lincoln all reported minor injuries. None were transported to the hospital.

The Lincoln was drivable following the crash. The Ford and the Dodge were both towed from the scene.

Whittlesey was issued an infraction for following too closely resulting in a motor vehicle accident.

Evading Lexus Sought

Newtown police were sent to the area of Church Hill Road and the I-84 overpass around 9 am Friday, July 23, following a report of a two-vehicle non injury collision. Police state the vehicle that had caused the accident fled from the scene.

Police describe the vehicle as a newer white Lexus IS 300 with a young male operating the vehicle. The Lexus continued toward Sandy Hook Center and should have driver’s side front end damage.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the driver and vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Figol at 203-426-5841.

Keys Found

A set of keys was turned in to the Newtown Police Department on Saturday, July 24. The keys were found near the intersection of Taunton Lake Road and Saw Mill Road.

Contact Newtown Police Department, 203-426-5841, to claim them.

Following Too Close

Connecticut State Police report a 2019 GMC Canyon full-size pickup truck being operated by Bruce E. Adams, 77, of Kennebunkport, Maine, traveling on I-84 East in the left lane approaching Exit 10 around 3 pm Saturday, July 24.

A 2015 Volkswagen Passat midsize sedan being operated by Isaac Christiam-Jude Abraham, 23, of Long Branch, N.J., was directly behind the pickup truck.

Adams slowed for traffic due to regular congestion. The Passat was following too closely, according to the police report, and struck the rear bumper of the truck.

No injuries were reported. The truck sustained minor damage; the Passat sustained disabling damage.

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company also responded to the crash.

Both operators and all passengers — one in each vehicle — were checked for injuries, but none required transport to the hospital.

Abraham was found at fault and was issued an infraction for following too close.

Four-Vehicle Crash On I-84

Connecticut State Police report a four-vehicle accident on I-84 West, just prior to the Hanover Road bridge, around 12:21 pm, Tuesday, July 27.

According to the report, a 2012 Hyundai Accent being operated by Russell Lacasse, 59, of Chloride, Ariz.; a 2014 Mazda CX-5 Sport being operated by Richard N. Symonds, 58, of Canton; a 2012 Volvo XC90 3.2 being operated by Ryan P. Healy, 48, of New Milford; and a 2010 Kenworth tractor-trailer truck being operated by Leonard L. Luxama, 44, of Brooklyn, N.Y., were all traveling west.

The tractor-trailer truck struck the Volvo from behind. The Volvo spun out, according to the CSP report, and then struck the Hyundai and the Mazda.

Newtown Hook & Ladder and a Nuvance ambulance crew also responded to the crash.

Healy was transported to the hospital for suspected minor injuries. No injuries were reported by the other three drivers. None of the vehicles were carrying passengers.

The Volvo was towed by Modzelewski’s.

Luxama was cited for following too closely.

(Note: photos from this crash appear in this week's Fire Reports.)