In Newtown, Connecticut, a 33-year-old man was involved in a head-on car collision that claimed the life of a 90-year-old man on Route 25 on the night of Sunday, April 17. Just prior to the crash, the motorist, Miguel Barragan-Santiago, had been asked to leave a restaurant and was later seen driving in an erratic manner.
According to an arrest warrant, Barragan-Santiago had been consuming wine at Tazza Cucina & Bar, located on South Main Street, at approximately 7:30 p.m. when he started to annoy two women. A manager later requested that he leave the bar. Although Barragon-Santiago initially refused to leave the restaurant, he eventually walked out and got into his pickup truck. A short time later, he collided with a Honda Civic driven by Henry Petrucelli, the victim in the car accident.
Police stated that Petrucelli, the other motorist, was headed north when Barragan-Santiago’s Mazda B3000 hit the front passenger side of his vehicle. Petrocelli was trapped in the car when police arrived at the accident scene; he was later declared dead at the scene. Witnesses said that they noticed the pickup truck increase in speed, cross the double yellow line and make a right turn from the left lane in front of a red light. Witnesses also said that the truck appeared to have mechanical issues.
The manager of the restaurant later informed police that he followed Barragan-Santiago outside and requested that he not drive. The manager returned inside to get his keys to drive Barragan-Santiago home, but when he went back outside the truck was gone.
Barragan-Santiago faces criminal charges of misconduct with a motor vehicle and second degree manslaughter. Police said that he does not possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license, so he could potentially face more charges. Additionally, because Barragan-Santiago has been deemed a flight risk, his bond was set at a massive amount of $450,000. Moreover, the arrest warrant states that the Mexican immigrant is not a legal U.S. resident and has been deported in the past.
To learn more, check out the NewsTimes.com article, “Driver in Fatal Newtown Crash Charged with Manslaughter.”

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another person, contact the personal injury attorneys at Proner and Proner. Our experienced legal team can help you get financial compensation for your injuries or loss.