Suicidal Man Drives Into Connecticut River, Drowns: Enfield Police

ENFIELD, CT — A man reported as being suicidal drove his truck at a high rate of speed into the Connecticut River early Tuesday morning despite the efforts of police attempting to negotiate with him. Around 3:30 a.m., his body was found in the truck, which was submerged in about 15 feet of water about 50 feet from the shore.

Around midnight, police were dispatched to the Donald Barnes Boat Launch on South River Street to check on a suicidal man whose phone was pinging to the area. Officers made contact with the man, a 63-year-old resident of Plainville, who appeared intoxicated, Police Chief Alaric Fox said.

Police began to negotiate with the man, but after a short period, he "abruptly and rapidly drove his truck into the river as the officers were attempting to negotiate him out of his vehicle," Fox said. "He was belted in and stared at the officers as his truck was submerging under the water."

Rescue services were immediately summoned to the river, including personnel from the Connecticut State Police and Tolland County Dive Services). Around 3:30 a.m., divers located the vehicle with the body still strapped in, Fox said.

A collaborative investigation involving Enfield and Plainville police is continuing.