Newtown Police are hoping to hear from anyone who witnessed a 2021 Tesla Model 3 before the vehicle crashed into a tree on a Taunton Hill Road property early last Saturday evening.

Newtown Police, Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Company, and Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps all responded around 6:55 pm April 11 to the area of 161 Taunton Hill Road following reports of a single vehicle crashing into a tree, according to a release from the police department.

An investigation determined the Tesla had been traveling southbound on Taunton Hill Road at a high rate of speed. As it approached a right-hand curve leading to the intersection with Birch Hill Road, the midsize electric sedan failed to negotiate the curve and continued across Taunton Hill Road. Its driver side tires struck curbing along the roadway and the vehicle continued to travel off the roadway and onto the property of 161 Taunton Hill Road, also according to the release.

The bottom portion of the Tesla struck some rocks, became airborne, and then made contact with a utility pole guy wire. The front end of the Tesla then struck a tree, where it came to rest. Multiple airbags deployed in the Tesla and the vehicle began to smoke.

First responders were initially told a fire began in what would be the engine compartment and the operator was trapped in the vehicle, according to a PD report. Upon arrival, however, there was no active fire.

Firefighters extricated John C.F. Petch, 32, of Newtown, who was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Petch was reportedly unable to respond to questions as firefighters removed the driver’s side door to extricate him from the vehicle.

Petch was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the PD reports. He complained of non-specific pain and was transported by NVAC to the hospital.

Modzelewski’s Auto responded to the scene and removed the Tesla.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact NPD Officer Anthony DiGiovanni, who is investigating the crash, at 203-426-5841.