Old Lyme Man Charged In Fatal Pedestrian Crash: State Police

OLD LYME, CT — Nearly a year after it occurred, a 36-year-old Old Lyme man has been charged in connection with a fatal 2017 pedestrian crash in Old Lyme that claimed the life of a 19-year-old Westbrook man, according to Connecticut State Police.

Daniel J. Coffee, of Boston Post Road, was operating a 2000 Toyota Tundra pickup truck at about 2 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2017, when he struck Yeison Gomez-Cruz, who was walking on Boston Post Road near Sill Lane, authorities stated. Coffee fled the scene following the crash and was later found by state police troopers.

Gomez-Cruz died of his injuries nearly two weeks later on Nov. 11.

Following an investigation, a warrant was obtained for Coffee's arrest, and he surrendered to state police early Monday morning, Oct. 22.

Coffee was charged with:

• Evading responsibility in a motor vehicle accident involving death
• Misconduct with a motor vehicle
• Possession of less than half an ounce of cannabis

He was held in lieu of bail of $75,000 and was scheduled to be arraigned in New London Superior Court on Oct. 22.

Photo: Daniel J. Coffee. Photo credit: Connecticut State Police

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