Driver Used Heroin Before Fatal Crash In Wallingford: Report

WALLINGFORD, CT — The Meriden man accused of DUI and fatally striking a bicyclist last month in Wallingford told police that he used heroin before the crash, according to the Meriden Record-Journal.

Donald A. Carrelli, 37, of Milford, was riding his bicycle around 3 p.m. on May 25 when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Derek C. Fries, 35, of Meriden. The crash occurred on South Turnpike Road about 175 feet north of its intersection with Toelles Road, immediately north of the North Haven town line, police said.

Fries was driving in the southbound lane on South Turnpike Road when the vehicle crossed over the double-yellow center line into the northbound lane and struck Carrelli, who was sent down an embankment, police said at the time. Several witnesses provided first aid to Carrelli, who was pronounced dead at Yale-New Haven Hospital a short time later, according to police.

The Record-Journal reports Fries told police at the scene that he had used heroin before the crash and officers seized two bottles of methadone, six capped syringes, two uncapped syringes and items containing a powdery residue.

Fries has been charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs, illegal possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to drive in proper lane. He was released after posting a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 14, according to state judicial records.

Read more at the Meriden Record-Journal here.