02/10/06

                                                UPDATE

                                ONE CAR FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION                 

CHESHIRE- On 05/25/05 State PoliceTroop-A was advised by State Police Lt. Benjamin Pagoni that he was attempting to stop a vehicle for motor vehicle violation when the car passed the trooper at a high rate of speed.  The car was occupied by two males on I-84 westbound approaching exit #26.  As the trooper attempted to stop the violator, the violator vehicle accelerated and attempted to flee off the exit #26 ramp. The driver lost control rolling struck the jersey barrier and rolled the car over onto the roof.  

Lt. Pagoni approached the accident scene and stopped to render aid. As the trooper approached the overturned car an occupant exited the overturned car and began to physically assault the trooper. A Cheshire Police officer was parked in the commuter parking lot close to the crash site. The Cheshire Officer heard the crash and responded to the scene. The officer observed the assault in progress and the Officer approached to assist the trooper.  The suspect fled into the wooded area adjacent to the crash site. The Cheshire Officer was able to apprehend the fleeing suspect and return him to the scene.

State Police, Cheshire Fire and EMS all responded to the crash scene. The second occupant of the overturned car was pronounced dead at the scene. Lt. Pagoni and the suspect were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where they were treated and released. The scene was secured and State Police Accident reconstruction team and Major Crime Detectives responded to assist in this investigation.  The deceased is identified as Demetrius Jamal White DOB: 9/21/80 20 Cossett St. Waterbury, Ct

RIDDICK, Milton  DOB: 3/11/79  was taken into custody and was presented at GA # 7 Meriden on 05/26/05. He was charged with Assault on a Police Officer and  Interfering with a Police. At the conclusion of his court proceeding he was turned over to Parole for violations.

The accident investigation was recently concluded by State Police. The results of the accident investigation resulted in investigators submitting an arrest warrant application to GA #7 in Meriden. An arrest warrant was issued for the accused RIDDICK who was formally charged today(02/10/06).  Riddick is being held on $250,000 bond and he will be presented in Superior Court GA #7 Meriden on Tuesday 02/14/06.

ACCUSED: RIDDICK, Milton T. 3/11/79  LKA  Waterbury,CT.

CHARGES: Manslaughter 1^st, Reckless Driving, Evading Responsibility, Operating Motor Vehicle License  under Suspension,  Engaging Police in Pursuit.  

###END###Sgt. J. PAUL VANCE