Fallen Trooper 'A Dedicated And Compassionate Professional:' UPDATE

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The state's law enforcement community is mourning the loss of one of their own after a state trooper was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Interstate 84 in Southington Thursday afternoon.

In a 4:57 p.m. statement Thursday, Connecticut State Police confirmed the tragic news that Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, a state police K-9 officer and resident/native of Southington, was killed in the line of duty.

Later Thursday night, state police updated the status of their investigation at a press conference at Connecticut State Police headquarters in Middletown. The press conference was broadcast on WFSB Channel 3.

There, police discussed what happened and Pelletier's legacy to the department.

What happened

State Police spokesman Sgt. Luke Davis said Pelletier was conducting a regular traffic enforcement operation at about 2:36 p.m. Thursday on I-84, when he pulled over a motorist who wasn't wearing a seat belt.

Davis said the operator of the vehicle complied and safely moved over into the right shoulder of I-84 East before Exit 31.

While Pelletier was talking with the operator outside the vehicle, a red pickup truck traveling in the right lane "began to approach on the right shoulder," Davis said.

He said the pickup's right-side wheels were completely over the dividing line between the shoulder and the right travel lane.

The pickup then sideswiped Pelletier's cruiser and hit Pelletier in the shoulder while Pelletier was next to the vehicle he pulled over, Davis said. Pelletier was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Davis, Pelletier's canine partner "Roso" was in the cruiser during the incident and was not injured.

Immediately, Davis said, witnesses called "911" and gave police "valuable information" as to what happened.

According to Davis, the pickup truck operator came to a stop near Exit 39A on I-84 due to "disabling damage" caused by the accident.

Davis said the operator is in state police custody and will eventually be charged.

"This is still an active, ongoing investigation at this point in time," Davis said Thursday night, adding anyone with dashcam footage of the accident or the pickup is asked to help police.

Davis said police will release information about the suspect "at a later time." He said the investigation is ongoing and no added details will be available.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our fellow partners in law enforcement, fellow first responders, and the public," Davis said.

The incident shut down I-84 for several hours Thursday as police investigated the situation.

Pelletier's legacy

State law enforcement leaders described Pelletier's legacy as being one of dedication to the community and his family.

Col. Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of Connecticut State Police, said Pelletier was a nine-year veteran of the force, which came after employment with the state Department of Correction in Hartford.

He said Pelletier graduated from the Connecticut State Police Academy in 2015, assigned to Troop H in Hartford, and in 2021, Pelletier became a police K-9 handler working with his partner, "Roso."

Loughman also said Pelletier was a husband and father to two young children.

"He gave nine years to this job. He was a dedicated and compassionate professional," Loughman said. "He was a role model to younger troopers and he set a high standard for them to follow.

"I'm honored to have known and worked for Aaron. I'm heartbroken for his wife and young children and the rest of his family," Loughman continued. "Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier served the state with honor and integrity and he will not be forgotten."

Ronnell Higgins, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said Pelletier made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Tonight we are suffering. In our small state, it feels like we have all lost a precious member of the family," Higgins said. "And on this wrenching evening, through the pain, through the tears, I am thinking of sacrifice, integrity, and responsibility."

"Trooper Pelletier was part of this tapestry that weaves this diverse state together," continued Higgins.

Higgins pointed out Pelletier died while doing "one of the most vital jobs as a trooper," namely helping to keep the roads safe.

As a result, Higgins urged Connecticut residents to honor Pelletier by driving safely, respecting fellow citizens, and believing in justice.

Statewide Reactions

News of Pelletier's death traveled fast in state circles Thursday, with several Connecticut leaders offering statements and reactions.

Gov. Ned Lamont ordered all flags to be placed at half-staff in honor of Pelletier, with both he and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz issuing statements on the tragedy. Bysiewicz also spoke at the press conference.

“I am devastated to learn about the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today in the line of duty while serving the people of Connecticut,” Lamont said.

“This is a tragic reminder about the dangers law enforcement face every day when they leave their homes and go to work.

"Trooper Pelletier served Connecticut with honor, integrity, and commitment, and he embodies the definition of public service. His courage and bravery will never be forgotten.

"On behalf of the State of Connecticut, my condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends, and brothers and sisters with the Connecticut State Police. I ask the people of Connecticut to keep Trooper Pelletier in their prayers.”

Bysiewicz said the incident is a reminder motorists should always be vigilant while driving on roadways.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Trooper First Class Pelletier,” added Bysiewicz. “Members of the Connecticut State Police are known for their steadfast dedication to each other and to maintaining incredibly high standards of policing – but above all to their unwavering commitment to the protection and service of others and our state.

"State troopers are out every day on our roadways trying to protect the public. It is tragic to know that this trooper’s life was lost while conducting a routine traffic stop. I want to urge residents to please always remain vigilant and cautious when driving, especially when the state police are on the roads performing their jobs. My prayers are with the loved ones and colleagues of Trooper Pelletier.”

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Pelletier "bravely answered the call of duty" Thursday.

“Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier bravely answered the call of duty this afternoon and made the ultimate sacrifice. His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers all first responders face at work, and a stark reminder to motorists that they must slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles," Blumenthal said in a release at 5:51 p.m. Thursday.

"Failure to slow down and move over are common killers on our roadways and this loss should be a lesson that saves the lives of other courageous first responders. My prayers are with the Pelletier family and the entire Connecticut State Police as they mourn this loss.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., echoed those sentiments.

“I am devastated by the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty earlier today," Murphy said in a statement.

"TFC Pelletier bravely served the people of Connecticut for nearly a decade and his death is a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and the men and women of the Connecticut State Police.”

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said he was "heartbroken" for Pelletier's family.

“I am absolutely heartbroken for the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. We must all pray for and support his family and friends and every state trooper and officer today, especially those who worked alongside Trooper Pelletier and those who are still out on our roads right now keeping our communities safe in the midst of this tragedy," Tong said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

"This demonstrates how much risk our state troopers and law enforcement take every day to keep us safe. From what we know so far, this did not have to happen. We must do all that we can to stop the dangerous and reckless driving putting people, families, and our law enforcement at risk all over our highways today."

Chief State's Attorney Patrick J. Griffin called Pelletier's death "senseless."

"Trooper First Class Pelletier’s senseless death is a bitter reminder to us all of the life-and-death risks brave public servants like Trooper First Class Pelletier face when they go to work," Griffin said in a statement.

"The division stands today and every day in support of all our courageous law enforcement officers in Connecticut who put their own lives on the line to serve and protect and keep our communities safe."

In addition to condolences from Connecticut leaders, police departments statewide issued statements of condolences via social media, including the Southington Police Department and those from surrounding communities.

Anyone with information on the accident or having any dashcam footage of the involved vehicles is asked to contact state police at Troop H in Hartford at 860-534-1000.

From May 31: 'Suspect Charged In Death Of Trooper In Southington: CSP'

From May 31: 'Solemn Police Procession To Honor Fallen Trooper Friday'

For WFSB Channel 3's complete coverage of the tragedy, click on this link.

For the state police news page, click on this link.