CHESHIRE — A motorist was critically injured late Saturday after a single-vehicle crash on West Johnson Ave that followed a hit-and-run incident earlier in nearby Southington, according to Cheshire Police.
At about 11:32 p.m. Aug. 30, Cheshire Police Department dispatch received a 911 call from someone whose vehicle was hit by a white 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe at the intersection of Knotter Dr and Meriden-Waterbury Tpke (Rt 322) in Southington.
The caller told police that the Tahoe fled the scene at high speed into Cheshire, heading east on West Johnson Ave toward Highland Ave (Rt 10).
Moments later, the same caller reported coming upon a crash involving only the Tahoe in front of 181 West Johnson Ave, where the operator was found lying on the ground, unconscious.
Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire, and Trinity Ambulance responded and gave medical assistance to the Tahoe’s operator and sole occupant, who was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the Tahoe was traveling eastbound on West Johnson Ave at a high speed when it crossed the double yellow lines into the westbound lane and left the roadway near 181 West Johnson Ave.
The vehicle struck several trees off the road, sustained heavy damage, and the operator was ejected before the Tahoe came to rest back on the roadway.
Police said the operator suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition at St. Mary’s Hospital.
The Southington Police Department is investigating the initial collision at Knotter Dr and Meriden-Waterbury Tpke, while Cheshire Police Department is handling the second crash.
Due to the seriousness of the incident, the Naugatuck Valley Collision Investigation Team was requested, and Naugatuck Police assisted Cheshire Police investigators at the scene.
