Hit And Run Vehicle Being Investigated

Newtown Police report Jessica Hunt, 43, of Bethel, operating a 2024 Mazda CX-50, was exiting Interstate 84 onto Wasserman Way at 8:38 am April 8. A 2005 Nissan Titan operated by an unknown operator was traveling behind her. Hunt traveled on Wasserman Way and stopped for a red light at the intersection with Berkshire Road, where the Nissan rear-ended her.

The Nissan then evaded and left the scene. Flock cameras show the pickup with full registration plate, and it was tracked to Thomas Epting, of Torrington. Checks show the registration was expired and insurance was unconfirmed. Torrington officers went to the address on the expired registration but received no response and were unable to locate the vehicle.

The department is continuing to investigate.

Struck Building Twice

Newtown Police report Ezekiel Nkezabera, 32, of Louisville, Ky., operating a 2021 Freightliner tractor trailer with trailer, was entering the parking lot of 62 Church Hill Road at 8:52 pm April 9. While negotiating a turn to the rear of the building, the vehicle struck the corner of the building, resulting in damage to a roof gutter. Officers arrived on scene and saw Nkezabera attempting to negotiate another turn, where he also struck a different corner of the building, damaging more roof gutter and a security camera.

No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not towed.

No enforcement action was taken since the incident occurred on private property.

Ran Red Light

Newtown Police report Carlos Barrigas, 74, of Danbury, operating a 2025 Honda CR-V, was traveling southbound on Main Street at 12:37 pm April 11. Loreto Fuentes, 62, of Bethel, operating a 2019 Honda CR-V, was traveling eastbound on Sugar Street and was stopped at the red light. The light turned green for Fuentes and she started forward, while Barrigas entered the intersection after the light turned red. Fuentes' vehicle struck Barrigas' vehicle.

Fuentes and a passenger were transported to Danbury Hospital with possible injuries. Both vehicles were towed.

Barrigas was issued a written warning for failure to obey a traffic control signal.

Struck Mailbox And Tree

Newtown Police report Lisa Purcelli, 61, of Monroe, operating a 2009 Mazda 6, was traveling northbound on Pastors Walk at 7:38 am April 12. While negotiating a right-hand curve in the roadway, Purcelli went off the roadway right, where her vehicle struck a mailbox and a tree.

Purcelli was transported to Danbury Hospital for minor injuries. The vehicle was towed.

Purcelli was issued a verbal warning for making an improper turn.

Larceny And Forgery Charges

Newtown Police report that on April 16, Newtown Police officers responded to a residence in Danbury to serve an active arrest warrant for Salom Phen, 46, of Danbury. Phen was arrested and charged with first-degree larceny and five counts of second-degree forgery.

Phen was released on a $50,000 bond with a court date of April 28 in Danbury Superior Court.

Hit Stopped Vehicle

Newtown Police report Llanos Nugra, 36, of Danbury, operating a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, was traveling southbound on Huntingtown Road at 8:38 am April 17. Kim Cosar, 51, of Bethany, operating a 2020 Toyota Prius, was stopped at the stop sign at Meadowbrook Road waiting to turn onto Huntingtown Road. Nugra attempted to turn onto Meadowbrook Road and struck Cosar's vehicle.

Nugra complained of minor injuries but declined transport. Neither vehicle was towed.

Nugra was issued a written warning for making an improper turn.

Rear Ended At Intersection

Newtown Police report Thomas Corbo, 69, of Monroe, operating a 2014 Mazda CX-5, was stopped at a stop sign on High Bridge Road at 3:54 pm April 18. He was stopped behind a 2016 Jeep Wrangler operated by Kristopher Dicocco, 28, of Trumbull. Dicocco began a left turn onto Botsford Hill Road and then stopped again for oncoming traffic. Corbo rear-ended Dicocco's vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

Corbo was issued an infraction for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart.

Hit While Making Left Turn

Newtown Police report Julian Espinal, 61, of Bridgeport, operating a 2011 Toyota Camry, was traveling northbound on South Main Street at 2:38 pm April 19. Pena Salas, 25, of Norwalk, operating a 2014 Jeep Patriot, was traveling southbound on South Main Street. Espinal attempted to make a left turn onto Elm Drive and was struck by Salas' vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Espinal's vehicle was towed.

Espinal was issued an infraction for failure to yield to traffic while making a left turn.

Failure To Appear Charge

Newtown Police report Alrick Man, 66, of Newtown, turned himself in to Newtown Police Department on April 20 after learning of an active PRAWN warrant. He was arrested and charged with second-degree failure to appear.

He was released on a $5,000 bond with a court date of May 5 in Stamford Superior Court.