Shelton Man Charged in Crash That Caused Power Outage in Ansonia

A Shelton man is facing charges after he reportedly struck three parked cars, a street sign, a fire hydrant and a utility pole in Ansonia.

Ansonia Police received various 911 calls on Monday about a white truck with a black hood that struck parked vehicles on Wakelee Avenue and then struck a utility pole near Exit 19. When police arrived, a pickup truck was located with heavy damage.

The utility pole had been broken in half and the traffic light at the intersection had fallen to the ground, police said. The power to the area needed to be shut off by United Illuminating for safety.

According to police, upon further investigation they learned that the vehicle had initially been involved in an accident at the intersection of Howard Avenue and Jackson Street, where a street sign and fire hydrant had been struck. The vehicle then continued west on Jackson Street and then north onto Wakelee Avenue, striking three more vehicles and finally coming to rest at the intersection of Exit 19 when it struck the utility pole.

Justin Masek, 26, of Shelton was taken into custody. He was charged with three counts of evading responsibility and one count of reckless driving.

Police said Masek claimed that the accelerator of his vehicle got stuck causing the accidents. He was held on $5000 bond and will appear in court on July 21.

The accident resulted in the power having to be shut down on the west side of Ansonia and also to the north end of town. Power was restored during the overnight hours and the utility pole was replaced.

The signal lights at the intersection of Wakelee Avenue and Exit 19 have been removed and temporary stop signs have been installed.

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