Hartford Man Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash: Police

HARTFORD, CT — A 29-year-old Hartford man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a woman on Ledyard Street in June, according to Hartford police.

Hector Rodriguez, 29, surrendered to detectives Wednesday evening, Oct. 21, following an investigation into the June 27 crash that killed Keyshia M. Ortiz-Benitez, 31, of Hartford.

Police said officers responded to Ledyard Street, south of Wawarme Avenue, at approximately 3:48 a.m. June 27, after receiving a report of a serious crash involving a pedestrian.

When officers arrived, they found Ortiz-Benitez lying in the roadway with life-threatening injuries.

She was transported to an area hospital, where she later died, police said.

According to investigators, the vehicle involved in the crash fled southbound without stopping.

Detectives from the Hartford Police Department's Crime Scene Division responded and took over the investigation.

As the investigation progressed, detectives identified Rodriguez as a suspect and established probable cause for an arrest warrant, which was subsequently approved.

Rodriguez surrendered to detectives on Oct. 21 and was taken to the Hartford Police Detention Facility for processing.

Rodriguez faces the following charges:

• Manslaughter in the second degree.
• Evading responsibility involving death.
• Illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension.
• Illegally tinted windows.

Police said Rodriguez's bond was set at $100,000.

Anyone with information about illegal activity is encouraged to contact the Hartford Police Department's anonymous tip line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).