Roadway In Stafford Closed For Hours Due to Crash

STAFFORD, CT — A heavy duty pickup truck crashed into a utility pole on Route 19 early Wednesday morning, causing closure of a busy stretch of roadway in the Mill Pond area for nearly 10 hours.

The crash took place around 2:11 a.m. when a 1997 Ford F-350 struck the pole near 220 East Street, or Route 19, near Patten and Orcuttville roads, knocking it across the street, according to the Stafford Fire Department.

Eversource Energy arrived at the scene to repair the pole, causing road closure for hours, according to the fire department.

The operator of the truck fled the scene, and was found a short time later at the intersection of East Street and Hydeville Road. He sustained minor injuries, state police said.

Darren Sfreddo, 31, of Stafford, was charged with operating under the influence, evading responsibility and improper turn. He was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court July 10.