Driver Charged In Hit-And-Run Crash That Seriously Injured 11-Year-Old Girl: Wallingford PD

WALLINGFORD, CT — A 78-year-old New Haven woman has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured an 11-year-old girl last month in Wallingford, according to police.

Police responded around 4:20 p.m. on Oct. 12 to a hit-and-run at the intersection of Washington and Hosford streets. An 11-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle, and the driver left before officers arrived, according to police.

Using surveillance footage provided by local businesses, officers identified the vehicle and located it during a motor vehicle stop on Oct. 14, according to Lt. Stephen Jaques.

“Officers seized the vehicle as evidence and identified its operator,” Jaques wrote in a news release. “The girl was taken to the hospital for her injuries and has since been released.

“Over the following weeks, investigating officers inspected the vehicle and continued their investigation.”

Officers executed an arrest warrant on Friday for the driver, identified as 78-year-old Gail Berlepsch of New Haven, according to Jaques.

Berlepsch was charged with evading responsibility — serious physical injury. She will be released on a court-set bond of $15,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1, according to Jaques.

“The Wallingford Police Department would once again like to thank the community members who assisted with this investigation and wish Jaslynn and her family the best as she continues her recovery,” Jaques wrote. “This case was handled by Wallingford officers assigned to the South-Central Connecticut Traffic Unit, along with officers from the patrol and traffic divisions.”

See also: Girl, 11, Seriously Injured By Hit-And-Run Driver In Wallingford Faces ‘Difficult Road Ahead’