Naugatuck Man Charged In Fatal Hit-And-Run In Hamden: Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Naugatuck man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 21-year-old man last month in Hamden. Garrison Nieves, of Hamden, was operating a scooter when he was struck and killed by the driver of a stolen car on July 1.

The crash happened 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 they were seen traveling the wrong way in the northbound lane.

One of the vehicles, a stolen Toyota Corolla that was being driven by Justin Thompson, struck and killed Nieves on State Street, according to Smith.

Moments after striking Nieves, Thompson left the Corolla and got into the second vehicle, which was also reported stolen, Smith said. He was last seen driving south on State Street.

Officer Nicholas Lovett conducted an extensive investigation that led to an arrest warrant for Thompson.

Thompson was found by Trumbull police on Aug. 16 and turned over to the Hamden Police Department.

Thompson, 23, of Carroll Street in Naugatuck, was arrested and charged with misconduct with a motor vehicle, evading responsibility (death), illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension and third-degree larceny. Thompson was held in lieu of a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 30.

Thompson was additionally charged with violation of probation with a $150,000 court-ordered bond, according to Smith.

See also: Obituary: Garrison Z. 'Red' Nieves, 21, of Hamden