On July 29, 2021 at approximately 10:38 PM Connecticut State Police Troop patrol personnel as well as detectives from the central district major crime squad and the Collision Analysis Reconstruction Squad, investigated the tragic death of a 14 year old girl in Higganum. The girl was riding her bicycle south on Rt 81 in Higganum where she was hit by a car that was moving in the same direction.
The operator of the car, who has been identified as 27 year old Thomas Cretella of Higganum, evaded the scene. The girl was taken to a local hospital where she died as a result of her injuries from the accident.
Cretella turned himself into Troop F in Westbrook at 6:00 AM, Monday, October 18, 2021 where he was arrested. Cretella is charged with Negligent Homicide with a motor vehicle, illegal passing, and evading responsibility. Cretella is being held on a $250,000 bond and was arraigned at Middletown Superior Court on Monday.
No further arrests are expected in this case according to State Police.