A 23-year old woman from Shelton has been charged in a head-on collision that turned fatal. Police investigation has determined that the woman was not only driving under the influence at the time of the accident, but that she was also using her cellphone.
The driver in question turned herself in to authorities on Thursday, Aug. 11, in response to an arrest warrant issued after the initial accident. The woman is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, driving under the influence, and using a handheld cellphone while driving, among others.
The initial accident, which occurred on May 6, took the life of of 69-year-old Shelton resident. Speaking about the case, Detective Richard Bango stated, "It was determined during the investigation that (the driver) was under the influence and was on her cellphone at the time of the accident. It was also determined that (the driver) crossed over into southbound lane of traffic causing the head on collision with (the victim)." Following the accident, the driver was transported to Bridgeport Hospital and treated for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver, after turning herself in, has been released on a $250,000 bond.
It is a difficult thing to turn one's self in to authorities following a fatal accident, and should be commended. Those who find themselves involved an injurious or fatal accident, regardless of their degree of fault in the matter, deserve to be represented zealously and excellently, so that their rights are protected throughout the proceedings, and to ensure that their case is heard fairly before the courts.
Source: ctpost.com, "Police say driver in Shelton fatal crash was DUI, using cell phone," Jim Shay, Aug. 12, 2016