Man Who Fled East Haven Fatal Accident Scene Apprehended: Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — The man who drove a vehicle involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident on Wednesday afternoon in East Haven has been apprehended, police said in a news release Saturday.

"Through the hard work of the South Central Connecticut Traffic Unit (SCCTU) and the East Haven Police Department Investigative Services, Johnassis Melendez, 23, is currently in the custody of the East Haven Police Department for his involvement in the fatal motor vehicle accident which occurred on September 14, 2016," said Lt. Joseph M. Murgo.

Through an extensive investigation, Melendez was determined to be the driver of the vehicle, police said. Melendez is currently being held on criminal and motor vehicle charges, police said. Once the investigation is completed, additional charges will follow, police said.

Police said the victim in Wednesday's fatal motor vehicle accident is Gaitana Girgenti, 27, of New Haven.
Three people were inside the vehicle that crashed around noon in the area of The Home Depot on Frontage Road in East Haven Wednesday.

Melendez fled the scene on foot and was apprehended, police said. The accident shut down a portion of Route 1 for hours Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Image via the East Haven Police Department