A Connecticut man is facing felony charges after police accused him of intentionally attempting to hit a pedestrian and then driving away.
Connecticut State Police arrested Keith Chapman, 67, after he was allegedly identified as the driver of a Toyota Corolla seen on video colliding with a pedestrian. According to a press release, police responded to a report of a driver “evading a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian” on Tuesday morning near an off-ramp on Connecticut Route 8 in Derby.
State troopers met the 49-year-old victim at the scene and transported him to the hospital with minor injuries.
Police said that as their investigation into the alleged incident progressed, they were able to view surveillance footage from the highway that captured what occurred. According to the police, the Corolla — later identified as Chapman’s — was seen “reversing from the right lane, shifting into drive, and accelerating directly toward the pedestrian as they faced the vehicle.” The Corolla was then observed “striking the pedestrian” before fleeing “at a high rate of speed” and “without rendering aid.”
The victim told police that while attempting to change lanes, they collided with another vehicle “that sped up from the right.” According to the victim, they stopped on the side of the road to retrieve the license plate that had fallen off the Corolla during the collision.
Chapman then allegedly drove his vehicle into the alleged victim, who was walking on the side of the street.
After running Chapman’s plates and registration, police tracked him down to his home in Shelton, Connecticut. He was arrested without incident and charged with interfering with an officer, first-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, and evading responsibility with physical injury.
Chapman posted a $10,000 bond and was released from custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 2.
