Woman Helped Suspect in East Haven Fatal Accident Initially Avoid Being Arrested: Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — Police said they have arrested Sara Montano, 28, on an arrest warrant for her alleged role in last week's fatal accident.

Montano is charged with third-degree hindering prosecution. This arrest stems from the fatal motor vehicle accident on Frontage Road which occurred on Sept. 14 in which Gaitana Girgenti, 27, of New Haven, a passenger in the vehicle, was killed, police said.

During the investigation, investigators determined that the operator of the vehicle, Johnassis Melendez, was driven to the northern part of Connecticut to avoid prosecution, police said in a news release.

After questioning Montano about Melendez’s whereabouts, she claimed she had no knowledge and no contact with him, police said. It was later determined that Montano did in fact have knowledge of the fatal motor vehicle accident and that Melendez was the driver at the time of the crash, police said.

Montano also had knowledge that Melendez was being sought for questioning, police said. Later in the investigation, Montano admitted she was the person who transported him to the northern part of Connecticut which was captured on an officer’s body worn camera, police said.

The investigation regarding Melendez is still active and investigators are working in conjunction with the State’s Attorney’s office to secure a second arrest warrant for Melendez for additional charges, police said.

Montana is being held on a $25,000 bond.

See related story: Man Confesses on Facebook to Fatal East Haven Hit-and-Run: Report

Image via the East Haven Police Department