HPD MAKES ARREST IN FATAL HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT

Responding officers located an unoccupied Volvo SUV in the roadway south of 61 Edgewood Street. The vehicle had flat front and rear driver side tires and other damage consistent with having been involved in the crash. Additionally, a witness was interviewed who informed officer that she observed the operator exit the vehicle and flee the scene. A K-9 track was conducted from the vehicle with negative results.

On Sunday, January 14, 2018, at approximately 1505 hours, the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by Dr. Shapiro at Saint Francis Hospital.

The at-scene crash investigation indicated that the vehicle was traveling southbound on Edgewood St. The vehicle left the roadway and entered the front yard of 61 Edgewood St. The victim was on the sidewalk in front of 61 Edgewood St. when she was struck. The vehicle continued into the yard of 61 Edgewood, striking the front porch. The vehicle continued through the front yard, exiting into the street through the driveway. The vehicle's two driver side tires were flat and the operator abandoned the vehicle, fleeing on foot. Shortly after the incident, the Volvo SUV was reported stolen by its owner.

During the investigation, CSD Detectives received numerous tips from the community,  interviewed witnesses, examined video footage and collected/processed numerous items of physical evidence.

On Monday, January 22, 2018, CSD Detectives followed-up on a tip received regarding the fatal crash. A potential suspect was developed who was later interviewed. During the interview, the juvenile suspect admitted to stealing the Volvo SUV from Mansfield St. and to being the operator of the SUV when it struck and killed Ms. Garcia.

On January 30, 2018, an arrest warrant was applied for and issued by the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters, charging a 15 year old City of Hartford resident with the following charges related to the crash:

Manslaughter 2nd, 53a-56

Evading Responsibility w/Death, 14-224(a)

Reckless Driving, 14-222(a)

Larceny 3rd, 53a-124

Criminal Trover 2nd, 53a-126b

Operating a Motor Vehicle w/o License, 14-36(a)

The 15 year old juvenile was taken into custody at approximately 1245 hours without incident at his home. He was transported to the Hartford Police Special Investigations Division for processing then brought to the Hartford Juvenile Detention Center where he is held without bond.