#Middlebury #Police #Accident
Middlebury Police Chief Fran Dabbo reports a 1999 Ford Ranger operated by Benjamin Cruz, 41, of Waterbury crossed the center line of Route 64 near Foster Street in Middlebury Thursday, Jan. 18, and struck three vehicles that were traveling in an eastbound direction. Sgt. Pat Deely, Sgt. Ed Demers and Officer Alton Cronin were dispatched to the accident.
The operator of the first vehicle struck, a 2017 GMC Acadia, and the operator of the second vehicle struck, a 2009 Lexus RX350, were able to move to the right to avoid a head-on collision. The third vehicle, a 2010 Hyundai Veracruz, was struck head on.
Cruz then exited his vehicle and got into the operator’s position in the Lexus. The owner of the Lexus informed Deely that the individual who caused the accident was sitting in his car. Deely approached Cruz, who appeared to be under the influence. Cruz had a blank stare and would not respond to Deely. Cruz was provided medical treatment by Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance and transported to Waterbury Hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Lissette Camacho, 32, of Waterbury, a passenger in Cruz’s vehicle, reportedly left the vehicle and started walking up Foster Street, where she was picked up by Demers. Camacho, who was not injured, was transported to Middlebury Police Headquarters and provided a written statement. Cruz was charged with reckless driving and failure to drive in the established lane. He was given a court date of Jan. 31.
