Driver, 19, Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Crash: Meriden PD

MERIDEN, CT — A 19-year-old Meriden resident has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian earlier this year in Meriden, according to police.

Jenessa Matias turned herself in on an outstanding warrant Wednesday in connection with the crash that happened in the area of the MidState Medical Center at 435 Lewis Ave.

Matias was driving her Dodge Caliber north on Lewis Avenue around 11:35 p.m. on Feb. 1 after completing her work shift when she is accused of hitting a pedestrian who was in the road, according to police.

The victim was identified as Clarence Harkless, 58, who was laying in the northbound lane of Lewis Avenue near the south entrance to MidState Medical Center, according to police.

Police believe that Harkless was trying to walk to the bus stop in the Meriden Mall parking lot in order to go to New Britain on the late bus.

“It is unknown why Harkless was laying in the roadway but he was found to be intoxicated by alcohol and drugs,” police wrote in a news release. “Matias after hitting Harkless, initially pulled over to the side of the road. When she realized that she hit a person she panicked and left the scene.”

Police said a tip from a concerned citizen on Feb. 2 led to the discovery of the Dodge Caliber parked in front of the home where Matias lives.

“Evidence collected from under the vehicle was consistent with the clothing Harkless was wearing at the time,” police wrote. “The Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the manner of death as blunt force trauma from being run over by a vehicle.”

Matias was charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, evading responsibility causing the death of a person, and possession of cannabis. She was held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.