Victim Identified In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Police have identified the victim of a recent fatal hit-and-run crash as Garrison Nieves, 21, of Hamden. Nieves was operating a scooter when he was struck and killed by the driver of a stolen car on July 1.

The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the area of 2390 State St. in Hamden. Police found that two vehicles were traveling south on State Street at a high rate of speed, according to Capt. Ronald Smith. Witnesses told police that both vehicles were driving "erratically" and that they were passing other vehicles that were traveling southbound on State Street by "crossing the double yellow lines," Smith said.

One of the vehicles, a Toyota Corolla that was stolen in Hamden on June 17, struck the operator of a scooter that was traveling northbound on State Street. The operator of the scooter was seriously injured and taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Smith.

"Moments after striking the victim, the occupants of the stolen Toyota Corolla, exited the vehicle and entered the second vehicle, described as a blue Honda, Connecticut registration AS-54198, that was driving erratically," Smith wrote in a previous news release. "The occupants of the Honda were last observed traveling southbound on State Street."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Nicholas Lovett at 475-201-1201.

Known as "Gary," Nieves' family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.

"If any of you knew Gary you knew what a sweet and lovable human being he was. He cared so much about his friends & close family. He put his feelings into the music he made. Always with a smile and open arms to the ones who needed them. It was his time to shine in life. He was only 21 years old with so much more life to live. At this time our family is devastated and still in shock. No parent should have to deal with a loss of their child. As the step-sister to Gary I am asking for any donations to help out our family for the expenses in this difficult time, any amount is greatly appreciated. If you can not donate, please consider sharing this link."

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