Hartford police search for suspect who fled I-91 crash

On Saturday afternoon, a crash on Interstate 91 South near Exit 33 in Hartford brought Connecticut State Police racing to the scene. One of the drivers allegedly bolted on foot, which isn’t something you see every day.

The crash led to major traffic jams before the highway finally reopened. Right now, police are still searching for the suspect and asking the public to help out if they spot him.

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Crash Closes Lanes on I-91 in Hartford

State police said the collision happened at about 1:57 p.m. and involved two vehicles. Officials haven’t said if anyone got hurt or how bad the damage is.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation confirmed that all lanes are open again. The highway was closed for a bit while police investigated and cleared the scene.

Driver Flees After Accident

What really caught everyone off guard was that one driver ditched his car and ran. Police say he’s a Hispanic man wearing dark clothes and flip flops.

That unusual getaway sparked a bigger search. Officers even brought in a K9 unit to help track him down.

Police Search and Community Alert

Police want people in Hartford and nearby cities like East Hartford, Wethersfield, and New Britain to keep an eye out for anyone matching the suspect’s description. The search has moved beyond the crash site since someone on foot can cover a lot of ground fast, especially when traffic ties up police resources.

K9 Unit Deployed

The Connecticut State Police K9 team arrived quickly. These teams often get called in when someone’s on the move and time is tight.

K9 dogs can track scents through neighborhoods, woods, or along train tracks — all pretty common in places like Windsor Locks, Bloomfield, Rocky Hill, and Middletown. They’re good at it, even if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Public Asked to Help Identify Suspect

Authorities are urging anyone with tips to speak up. They’re not just looking for drivers from I-91, but also pedestrians, business owners, and residents in the area.

Even small things — like seeing someone in flip flops walking down Maple Avenue or through West Hartford — might help.

Contacting State Police

If you know anything, call Connecticut State Police Troop H at 860-534-1000. Little details, like which way the guy was headed or what he was wearing, could really help narrow things down.

Traffic Impact and Highway Safety Concerns

Crashes on busy highways like I-91 — which links cities from New Haven to Springfield — can get dangerous fast. Stopped traffic, emergency crews, and people acting unpredictably all make things riskier for everyone nearby.

This crash forced lane closures right away, and the DOT hustled to get things moving again. Still, backup traffic spilled over into Glastonbury, Manchester, and Berlin. It’s a good reminder to stay alert, especially after something like this goes down.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials haven’t shared more about what caused the crash or if the suspect is tied to anything else. The investigation’s still active, with detectives talking to witnesses, checking traffic cameras, and looking over evidence from the scene.

Honestly, it’s wild how quickly regular traffic can turn chaotic because of one bad decision. Police across Connecticut — from Stamford to Waterbury — keep saying it: Don’t leave the scene of a crash. It’s not just the law, it can save you from way bigger trouble.

Final Thoughts

Right now, folks in the Hartford area should stay alert. Keep an eye on official updates, and if you spot anything odd, don’t hesitate to report it.

Law enforcement and the public really need to work together here. That’s the only way the person who ran from the scene gets caught, and maybe we’ll finally figure out what actually caused Saturday’s crash.

This story’s still unfolding. State police will share more details when they’re ready, so stay tuned.

Here is the source article for this story: Police search for suspect who allegedly fled crash on I-91 in Hartford

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