08/12/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Tara Monks // Tara Monks
Hartford, CT – A multi-vehicle accident on Main Street Tuesday, August 10, 2010, injured three people and resulted in the death of a four-year-old girl the next day, as reported by the Hartford Courant.
According to incident reports, police suspect the driver of the Subaru Outback that struck the car the toddler was riding in may have been under the influence of PCP. Jason Mattis, 24, of Sigourney Street, was reportedly combative with officers after the crash. He resisted attempts to put him in the back of a police cruiser. He was only placed into the car after police used a Taser on him.
The Subaru was reportedly traveling at 100 mph at approximately 6:11 p.m. Monday, when it hit a Toyota Corolla that was stopped at a red light at Belden and Main streets. The Corolla, which was carrying a four-year-old in the back seat, was pushed into an Acura TL that was stopped at the light in front of them.
After the crash, Mattis continued driving, only coming to a stop after hitting a parked car and light pole.
A 29-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy in the Acura were treated at Hartford Hospital and released. The driver of that car was not injured.
The toddler from the Corolla, Lilliany Rodriguez, initially in a booster seat in the back seat, was thrown into the front seat as a result of the impact.
Rodriguez died at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center the next day at approximately 1 p.m., according to police. The driver, also the toddler’s aunt, was treated for her injuries at Hartford Hospital and later released.
Officer Justin Torniero wrote, “Mattis appeared under the influence of an unknown substance…His eyes appeared extremely glossy, and … his face displayed a blank stare that appeared uninfluenced by the commotion created by this incident.” The incident report goes on to compare Mattis’ behavior with that of others they have seen under the influence of PCP.
Mattis was charged at the scene with interfering with a police officer, assault on an officer and second-degree threatening.
His bail was set at $100,000 and his court date is scheduled for September 15.
Police faulted Mattis for the crash, attributing speed, reckless operation and alcohol as factors. Charges related to the crash are to come.
Media Information:
Address:
Phone: (561) 865-6021
Url: http://TaraMonks.visionsmartnews.com/hartford-connecticut-3-vehicle-crash-faulty-driver-on-pcp-4-year-old-killed_1819.html
