Motorist Arrested After Fatally Striking Pedestrian In Meriden In ‘Intentional’ Act: PD

MERIDEN, CT — Police on Tuesday arrested a motorist accused of purposely hitting and fatally injuring a pedestrian over the weekend.

Jeffrey Kovic, 39, was charged on a warrant with first-degree manslaughter, sixth-degree larceny, evading responsibility resulting in death, and reckless driving, police said.

The victim, identified as 26-year-old Wilfredo Rivera-Rivera of Meriden, was struck on Dec. 13.

Police said they received multiple 911 calls around 7:14 p.m. Saturday reporting that a motor vehicle had hit a pedestrian near Broad Street and Twiss Avenue.

Responding officers found the victim in the road and suffering life-threatening injuries near 978 Broad St. He was rushed to MidState Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased, police said.

The victim didn’t have any identification on him, but investigators were eventually able to positively identify him as Rivera-Rivera.

The vehicle that hit the victim fled the scene before police arrived, police said.

“After reviewing surveillance video from the surrounding area, investigators determined that this incident was not an accident, but an intentional act that resulted in Rivera-Rivera's death,” police said, in a press release issued Wednesday.

According to police, there was a physical altercation between Rivera-Rivera and another male before the victim was hit by the vehicle.

Police identified Kovic as the driver through their investigation and with assistance from the community, police said.

Kovic is currently in police custody, being held on $250,000 bond.

“The Meriden Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Wilfredo Rivera-Rivera during this difficult time,” police said.

Witnesses and anyone with information can contact Det. Mckenna at 203-630-6284 or mckenna@meridenct.gov. Tipsters can also anonymously email the Major Crimes Unit at mpdtips@meridenct.gov or call 203-630-6253.