Evidence Of Converter Thefts Found At I-384 Crash Site: Report

MANCHESTER, CT — State police believe those involved in a fatal car crash Saturday on Interstate 384 in Manchester were stealing catalytic converters prior to the accident, according to an updated incident report.

The report was released Friday. The crash took place at 4:58 a.m. on the eastbound side of the highway near Exit 2.

According the revised crash report, investigators located at the collision scene, among the vehicle debris, "several items indicating the vehicle occupants were involved in the theft of catalytic converters." The items included several stolen catalytic converters, cutting tools, stolen license plates, and two stolen handguns, according to the report.

State Police this week identified the 16-year-old passenger killed in the crash as Ramon Quinones of Hartford. According to the crash report, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was able to ID Quinones through fingerprint analysis.

According to the initial crash report, a 2003 Acura TL driven by 21-year-old Tajay Hunter, of Hartford, veered from the right side of the highway to the left and struck a tree on the grassy median.

Hunter suffered a minor injury, but a second passenger, Jose Ruiz, 20, of Hartford was taken to Hartford Hospital with serious injuries, according to a crash report. A side airbag deployed in the Acura but state police said they were unsure whether the three were wearing seat belts.

State police said they are seeking witnesses to the crash and anyone with information can contact Trooper First Class John Wilson at the Troop H barracks, 860-534-1098 or via john.wilson@ct.gov. State police said they are particularly looking for dash cam video.