Aaron Pelletier ct dead, Trooper killed in hit-and-run crash

A Connecticut State Police trooper was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 84 in Southington on Thursday.

State police identified the victim as Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, from Troop H in Hartford. He was a nine-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police.

Authorities reported that Pelletier, 34, was conducting a traffic stop on I-84 east near Exit 31 when he was struck. “Preliminary information shows the right side wheels of the pickup were completely over the dividing line into the shoulder, sideswiping Trooper Pelletier’s cruiser and then striking Trooper Pelletier in the shoulder while he was speaking with the operator,” said Sgt. Luke Davis of the Connecticut State Police.

Pelletier was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver who hit Pelletier fled the scene. The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was later located and taken into custody on I-84 in Farmington.

“TFC Pelletier was a member of the 125th Training Troop and a nine-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. He served the citizens of Connecticut with an unwavering sense of dedication, pride, and professionalism, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten,” state police said. Pelletier had spent the past three years as a K-9 officer with his dog, Roso. Authorities mentioned that Roso was in the state police cruiser at the time of the crash but was not injured.

A miles-long procession was held in honor of Pelletier on Thursday evening, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.

“I am devastated to learn about the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today in the line of duty while serving the people of Connecticut. This is a tragic reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day when they leave their homes and go to work. Trooper Pelletier served Connecticut with honor, integrity, and commitment, and he embodies the definition of public service. His courage and bravery will never be forgotten,” Governor Lamont said in a statement released Thursday.

Both sides of I-84 in Southington were closed because of the crash but have since reopened.