Police: Teen Talking on Cellphone Causes Multi-Vehicle Crash in West Hartford

A Simsbury teen faces charges after causing a multi-vehicle crash while talking on his cellphone Wednesday night in West Hartford, according to police.

Anthony Pasquariello, 18, of Pinnacle Mountain Rd in Simsbury, was traveling west on Simsbury Road at about 8 p.m. in a 2014 Honda CRV when it swerved over the yellow lines and crossed into the eastbound lane while he was passing Timberwood Road.

West Hartford police said there were two vehicles traveling east and the first vehicle, driven by Robert Rodner, slammed on his brakes to avoid Pasquariello’s vehicle. A second vehicle, driven by Gary Rose, then crashed into the rear of Rodner’s vehicle.

Pasquariello’s vehicle swerved back and struck a utility pole and then flipped over coming to rest on its roof, police said.

Pasquariello was able to get out of his vehicle and police said there were no reported injuries to anyone involved.

Police said Pasquariello, who does not have a driver’s license, was using his cellphone when he lost control of his vehicle.

The 2014 Honda CRV Pasquariello was driving was heavily damaged and towed. Police also said that Rodner’s 2013 Lexus ES350 had heavy rear end damage and was towed and the 2000 Honda Accord Rose was driving sustained heavy front end damage and was towed.

Pasquariello was charged with Illegal use of a cellphone while operating a motor vehicle, distracting driving behavior while committing a moving violation, failure to drive right, and driving without a license. He was issued a $590 infraction for the offenses.

Photo courtesy of the West Hartford Police Department

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