Woman Arrested After Serious Hit-And-Run Crash In Newtown: Cops

NEWTOWN, CT — A 36-year-old Bethel woman was arrested on a charge of second-degree assault with a motor vehicle Monday after Newtown police said she was involved in a two-vehicle, hit-and-run crash that left two people injured.

Vanessa T. Silva, of Taylor Avenue, also was charged with:

• Evading responsibility causing serious physical injury
• Interfering with police officer
• Driving under the influence
• Failure to keep right
• Illegal operation of motor vehicle without ignition device

The head-on collision occurred at about 7:45 p.m. near Hattertown and Dodgingtown roads.

"Upon officers arrival it was determined that a black 2018 Chevrolet Silverado traveling westbound on Sugar Street at the curve by Dodgingtown Road had crossed over the centerline striking head on with a black 2018 Cadillac ATS which was in the eastbound lane of Sugar Street," Newtown police said in a statement.

The operator of the Cadillac, who police did not identify, seriously injured, including a compound fracture to her ankle, according to police. The passenger in the Chevrolet also was seriously injured, including a broken femur, and both people were transported to Danbury Hospital for treatment.

Silva was identified as the driver of the Chevrolet, but she had fled from the scene on foot
prior to police arrival.

"Silva was witnessed entering the woods between Dodgingtown Road and Flat Swap Road," police said. "Following a search by officers around the immediate area, Silva was taken into custody without issue on the property of 30 Flat Swap Road."

She was treated at the scene for minor injuries, and was taken to police headquarters where she was processed.

Silva is being held in lieu of bail of $50,000, and she is scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on March 9.