A loaded handgun was found in a vehicle involved in a fatal crash early Tuesday in Groton where police said the driver struck a traffic pole on Route 12 after taking off from an officer.
The motorist was spotted by a patrol officer shortly after 2:30 a.m. while headed north on Route 12 at a “high rate of speed,” according to a statement issued by Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Jr. of the Town of Groton Police Department.
Fusaro said the individual, driving a 1996 Geo Prizm, went through a red light at the intersection with Kings Highway before making an illegal U-turn through another red light at the intersection of Route 12 and Pleasant Valley Road South. The driver then headed south on Route 12 as the officer flipped on his emergency lights in an attempt to pull him over.
The driver continued south going very quickly toward the area where Route 12 becomes Long Hill Road South, according to Fusaro. The driver attempted to turn right onto Kings Highway but hit a steel traffic pole at the southwest corner of Kings Highway, Fusaro said.
The officer requested an ambulance and provided medical attention to the driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, Fusaro said. Medics arrived shortly thereafter and took the man to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Fusaro. The individual has not been identified.
According to Fusaro, first responders found a loaded handgun “in plain view” as the individual was extricated from the vehicle.
The Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad (CARS) was requested to respond to the scene to conduct a reconstruction of the crash. The New London State’s Attorney’s office also responded to the scene, Fusaro said.
Long Hill Road in the area of Kings Highway was closed until about 9 a.m. as crews were at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.