Shelton man arrested after alleged hit-and-run injures pedestrian

A shocking hit-and-run in Derby, Connecticut has ended with the arrest of a Shelton man. Authorities accuse him of deliberately striking a pedestrian along Route 8 and then fleeing. The Tuesday morning incident started as a minor traffic mishap but spiraled into a criminal case with multiple charges. Police say the victim had just gotten out of their vehicle after a previous collision when they were intentionally targeted. Now, 67-year-old Keith Chapman faces a list of serious charges and is due in court next month.

Details of the Route 8 Hit-and-Run Incident

Connecticut State Police say the crash happened around 11:10 a.m. on Route 8 in Derby. Video surveillance played a key role in the investigation and captured the moments before and after the impact. The footage shows a gray Toyota Corolla, registered to Chapman, reversing from the right lane. Then, it accelerates straight toward the pedestrian.

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From Lane-Change Collision to Criminal Charges

What started as a lane-change collision between two vehicles quickly turned dangerous. After the initial crash, the pedestrian pulled over and got out to check the damage. Instead of exchanging information, the suspect allegedly reversed, then sped forward, hitting the victim. He then made a quick escape onto East Main Street.

Police Investigation and Arrest

Investigators moved fast after reviewing the video. Later that same day, officers spotted Chapman driving the Toyota Corolla back to his home in Shelton. They took him into custody without any reported resistance and processed him on multiple charges.

Charges Filed Against the Suspect

The charges against Chapman include:

Interfering with an officer
Reckless endangerment
Breach of peace
Reckless driving
Evading responsibility with injury

After his arrest, Chapman posted a $10,000 bond. He’s set to appear in court on October 2.

Impact on Local Community

The incident has rattled the Lower Naugatuck Valley, which includes Derby, Shelton, and Ansonia. Many residents are alarmed, especially since the video evidence seems to show the driver intentionally striking a pedestrian. With road rage and aggressive driving making headlines in communities like Bridgeport, Stratford, and Milford, this case really hits a nerve. It’s unsettling to realize how quickly a routine fender-bender can turn into something so dangerous.

Pedestrian Safety Concerns in Connecticut

All across Connecticut, from New Haven to Waterbury, pedestrian accidents seem to be on the rise. Most of the time, distracted driving or poor visibility are to blame. But intentional violence with a vehicle, like what’s alleged here, is rare—and the legal consequences can be severe. Law enforcement officials are urging drivers to stay calm in traffic disputes and to follow the right steps after collisions. Nobody wants to see a bad situation get worse.

Legal Consequences and Next Steps

In Connecticut, evading responsibility with injury is a serious crime. It can bring hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If the court decides Chapman acted deliberately, prosecutors could push for even tougher penalties under reckless endangerment laws.

Court Appearance Scheduled

Chapman is expected in court in early October. Derby’s court officials are preparing to review witness statements, surveillance video, and police reports. It looks like the video evidence will play a huge role in whatever happens next.

Final Thoughts

This incident in Derby really shows how quickly tempers on the road can spiral into something dangerous. Folks in Shelton, Ansonia, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, New Haven, and Waterbury are all paying attention to this case.

It’s got people thinking about what it means to drive responsibly—and how important it is to stay calm after an accident. Losing your cool after a crash can put lives at risk and land you in serious legal trouble.

Police want anyone who sees reckless driving to report it right away. Maybe that’s how we stop these tragedies before they happen.

With the October 2 court date coming up, more information should come out. People are hoping for a clearer idea of what really went down on Route 8 that day.

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Here is the source article for this story: Shelton man arrested after allegedly striking pedestrian in hit-and-run

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