Toddler Killed, Others Injured After Police Chase in Waterbury
There is terribly sad news to report as we head into the holiday. A 3-year-old was struck by a car and killed in a crash at the tail end of a pursuit by Waterbury Police.
According to a press release from the Connecticut State Police, Waterbury officers that were engaged in a criminal investigation attempted to pull over an Acura driven by 18-year-old Zekhi Lee just before 4:00 PM on Tuesday (November 21). Lee refused to stop for the unmarked police cruiser and that's when things took a very tragic turn.
Police say that during the attempt to flee, Zekhi Lee crashed into a Toyota Carolla being driven by 82-year-old Ramon Toro. At that point, Lee's Acura wen up onto the nearby sidewalk, striking a light pole and four pedestrians before exiting the car and fleeing on foot. Lee was apprehended by Waterbury officers shortly thereafter.
Among the injured was 3-year-old Justin Quiroz, who pronounced dead on the scene, 21-year-old Rosa Morocho, 26-year-old Maria Morocho, and 1-year-old Aylin Morocho were all rushed to Saint Mary's Hospital with serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. Ramon Toro was taken to Waterbury Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Police say Zehki Lee did not sustain any injuries.
The reason for the initial investigation and attempted traffic stop by Waterbury officers to Zekhi Lee has not yet been disclosed. The Western District Major Crime unit of the Connecticut State Police has assumed the overall investigation at the request of the State's Attorney's Office.
Anyone who may have any useful information regarding this incident is asked to contact Western District Major Crime Detective Ed Vayan at 203-267-2200 or send a text message to TIP711 along with any information to 274637. All calls and texts will be kept confidential.
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