Second Pedestrian Dies Following Hartford Hit-and-Run

HARTFORD, CT — A second pedestrian struck by a hit-and-run driver on a Hartford street last week has succumbed to her injuries, Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley reported.

Catalina Melendez, 23, had been in critical condition since being struck around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 16 near 95 Vine Street. She died Tuesday night at Saint Francis Hospital.

Tina Fontanez, 24, was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.

Responding officers had located an unoccupied silver 2006 Acura TSX near the crash scene, with damage and evidence consistent with having been involved in the crash. Detectives from the Crime Scene Division and Major Crimes Division responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation, with C4 analysts assisting with video evidence, Foley said.

A preliminary crash investigation indicated the vehicle was traveling north on Vine Street. The two pedestrians, who had just exited a cab, were in the travel lanes of Vine Street when they were struck. The vehicle fled the scene and was recovered near the intersection of Bethel and Guilford streets, Foley said.

A short time later, the registered owner of the vehicle, Lorenzo Ivery, 25, of 135 Dart Street, Hartford, reported the vehicle stolen to police. Based on physical evidence and video surveillance, detectives were able to determine that Ivery was an occupant, but not the driver of the evading vehicle, including showing up at the police department with auto glass in his hair and clothing. He was subsequently charged with false statement, hindering prosecution and owner liability, Foley said.

Bond for Ivery was initially set at $30,000, but at his arraignment, his charges were adjusted to include evading a motor vehicle accident with death. He is currently held on $150,000 bond, with additional charges likely based on the second fatality, Foley said.

Investigation into the identity of the vehicle's operator is ongoing. Detectives have made additional progress in locating the operator, and an arrest in imminent as they work closely with the Connecticut State's Attorney's Office in Hartford, Foley said.

Photo credit: Hartford Police Department