SOUTHINGTON, CT (WFSB) – A state trooper was killed and a suspect was arrested in a hit-and-run on Interstate 84 in Southington on Thursday.
State police identified the trooper as Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536 of Troop H in Hartford. He was a 9-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police.
An escort procession for Pelletier started from the chief medical examiner’s office in Farmington at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. State police said Pelletier was transported to the Della Vecchia Funeral Home in Southington.
The route went from Route 4 to I-84 west to exit 32 to Queen Street.
Authorities said Pelletier, 34, was conducting a traffic stop on I-84 east near exit 31 when he was struck.
Alex Oyola-Sanchez of Hartford was charged in connection with a hit-and-run that left a state trooper dead in Southington, according to state police.(Connecticut State Police)
Oyola-Sanchez was charged with a list of charges, including failure to renew registration, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, evading a fatal motor vehicle accident scene, illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in a proper lane, illegal operation with out a license, and second-degree manslaughter.
Oyola-Sanchez admitted that he took fentanyl and cocaine before the crash, according to investigators.
His bond was set at $5 million. He faced a judge on Friday.
“Preliminary information shows the right side wheels of the pick up were completely over the dividing line into the shoulder side swiped Trooper Pelletier’s cruiser and then struck Trooper Pelletier in the shoulder while he was speaking with the operator,” said Sgt. Luke Davis, Connecticut State Police.
Pelletier was pronounced dead at the scene.
Oyola-Sanchez drove away, state police said.
He was later located and taken into custody on I-84 in Farmington, where his pickup truck broke down. Troopers said he tried to escape into the woods.
“TFC Pelletier was a member of 125th Training Troop and a nine year veteran of the Connecticut State Police,” state police said. “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.”
He spent the past 3 years as a K9 officer with K9 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:
Gov. Ned Lamont directed flags to half staff in honor of Pelletier.
Several lawmakers released statements on Pelletier’s death:
Both sides of I-84 in Southington were closed because of the crash but have since reopened.
