GROTON — The Groton Town Police Department is investigating an early morning fatal crash on Route 12.
On Tuesday, Dec. 23, at approximately 2:36 a.m., a Groton Town Police Officer on patrol observed a vehicle, a 1996 Geo Prizm, traveling northbound on Route 12 at a high rate of speed through a clearly visible red light at the intersection with Kings Highway.
The officer then observed the vehicle make an illegal U-turn through another red light at Route 12 and Pleasant Valley Road South and continue southbound on Route 12. The Officer activated his emergency lights to conduct a motor vehicle stop in the area of the Super 8 Motel at 173 Route 12.
The vehicle continued traveling at a high rate of speed south on Route 12 in the area where it becomes Long Hill Road South. The vehicle then attempted to make a right-hand turn from Long Hill Road South onto Kings Highway westbound but struck a steel traffic pole located at the southwest corner of Kings Highway.
The Officer immediately requested emergency medical services to the scene and proceeded to render aid to the visibly injured lone male occupant. Groton Ambulance personnel arrived and transported the driver to L&M Hospital for life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at L&M Hospital.
During extrication efforts, a loaded handgun was observed in plain view inside the vehicle.
The identification of the operator of the involved vehicle is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.
The Connecticut State Police’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad (CARS) was requested to respond to the scene to conduct a reconstruction of the crash.
Emergency responders, to include Groton Long Point Police, Ledyard Police, Stonington Police, Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, Groton Ambulance, and Yale-New Haven/Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Paramedics also responded to assist Groton Police. In addition, members of the State’s Attorney’s office also responded to the scene.
Long Hill Road in the area of Kings Highway was closed to motor vehicle traffic while the crash was being investigated. The road reopened at approximately 9 a.m.
This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash or has other information to assist officers with this case, please call the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.
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