Southington PD: ME Rules Crash Victim Killed By Gunshot

SOUTHINGTON, CT — One man is in custody and another dead in connection with a single-vehicle accident on Queen Street overnight in which the victim was, apparently, shot in the back, police said.

Southington police said Thursday afternoon that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has completed the autopsy of the victim, ruling his death a homicide by a gunshot wound to the torso.

Southington police have identified the fatal crash victim as Jose L. Principe, 28, of Waterbury.

While being treated at an area hospital, medical providers discovered Principe had sustained a gunshot wound to his back, police said.

Meanwhile, police said they have charged Meriden resident Victor R. Perez, 43, of Meriden in connection to the incident.

The SPD said Perez is being held on a $750,000 bond and is currently charged with criminal possession of a pistol and interfering with officers.

Perez appeared Thursday in New Britain Superior Court, 20 Franklin Ave., New Britain.

"Perez is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history. Neither Perez nor Principe have any history with the Town of Southington," said Southington Police Lt. Keith Egan in a statement late Thursday morning.

According to police, shortly after midnight Thursday morning, Southington police responded to a report of a car into a utility pole crash in front of 842 Queen St., Noodles & Company.

Police said an occupant of the vehicle was found unresponsive and transported to an area hospital for treatment, where he has since been pronounced dead.

After being closed for much of the morning, Queen Street has, since, reopened, police reported at 11:36 a.m. Friday.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues.

"Details of the homicide continue to be investigated," Egan said in an updated statement at 3:32 p.m.

"At this time evidence collected along Queen Street, along with search warrants, current and forthcoming, should aide further in the investigation."

Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Southington Police Department at 860-621-0101.