Stolen Car Slams Into Another Vehicle At Busy South Windsor Intersection

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — A stolen car ran a red light and crashed at a busy South Windsor intersection on New Year’s Eve, according to police.

According to the South Windsor Police Department, officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle from New Britain that entered South Windsor on Route 5 from East Windsor at about 4:56 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Police said officers tried to stop the car, a gray 2012 Hyundai Elantra, but it went through a red light at Route 5 and Sullivan Avenue and crashed into another vehicle.

Police said the driver of the other vehicle was not hurt.

Officers said the driver of the stolen car, Rigo Santiago, 38, of Port Norris, New Jersey, ran from the scene but was caught a short distance away. Police said he refused to identify himself and did not cooperate with the booking process. Officers reported finding crack cocaine and items used to make crack cocaine. Santiago was held on a $250,000 surety bond.

Police said two passengers were also arrested. Marilu Valentin, 48, of New Britain, was charged with drug-related offenses and held on a $25,000 surety bond. Jessie L. Jones, 41, of Meriden, was charged with use of drug paraphernalia and held on a $75,000 surety bond.

All three were scheduled to be arraigned at Manchester Superior Court on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Charges are allegations only. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.