STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE DEATH ON I-91 IN MERIDEN

   On 09-03-08, at approximately 1:16 a.m.,  vehicle #1 (CT Reg 51C875, a 1990 GMC Sierra Utility Sweeper) was being operated by Richard Vargas (DOB: 03-17-69) of 80 Sherman Ave., Apt. 1, in Meriden was traveling I-691 Eastbound, Exit 11 ramp onto I-91 N/B.

   As the driver of vehicle #1 merged onto I-91 N/B, traveling in the right lane, the vehicle struck an object that was lying flat in the roadway which the operator of Vehicle #1 believed to be a deer. 

   Operator #1 stopped his vehicle and in the area of impact and he observed that the object that he struck was a human not an animal.   The operator called 911 and reported that his vehicle had struck the person in the road on I-91.  State Police, EMS, and Fire Service all responded to the scene. EMS pronounced the male victim at the scene. Troopers secured the accident scene, two lanes were closed and the investigation was initiated by State Police Accident Reconstruction Troopers, State Police Central District Major Crime Detectives, and State Police Truck Squad Investigators.  Preliminary investigation revealed the victim was lying on the roadway when struck by Veh #1.  All area police were advised of this incident and requested they search appropriate locations for any vehicle that may have been involved in this incident prior to Veh #1 striking the victim. 

   The Office of the Chief State’s Medical Examiner is conducting a post mortem examination of the victim to establish the manner and cause of death. The unidentified deceased male is approximately 40-50 years old and was wearing dark clothing and white sneakers.

   State Police are attempting to establish the identity of the victim so as to notify the next of kin. The incident remains under investigation.

   State Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area of I-91 in Meriden at about 1:00 a.m. and may have seen anyone or any vehicle in the area of this incident to contact State Police at (203) 393-4200.

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LT. J. Paul Vance