ID Released In Fatal Groton Crash, Police Say

GROTON, CT — A driver who died in a fatal crash in Groton has been identified, according to police.

Nigel Badal, 23, of Groton, was killed in the accident.

Badal died following an accident on Route 12 on Tuesday.

A Town of Groton patrol officer spotted a 1996 Geo Prizm speeding northbound on Route 12 through a red light at 2:36 a.m., according to police.

The Geo then made an illegal U-turn at another red light at Route 12 and Pleasant Valley Road South, police said. The officer activated his emergency lights in an attempt to stop the car in the area of the Super 8 Motel at 173 Route 12.

The Geo continued speeding southbound on Route 12 where it becomes Long Hill Road South. The car then tried to make a right turn onto Kings Highway but struck a steel traffic pole on the corner, according to police.

The injured driver, later identified as Badal, was taken by ambulance to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries where he was later declared dead.

While attempting to remove the driver from the crashed car, the officer spotted a loaded handgun, police said.

This crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.