Driver In Fatal Crash That Killed Moped Rider Charged With Manslaughter: Norwalk Police

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk man was charged this week with manslaughter in connection to a fatal crash that killed a moped rider in town earlier this year, according to police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski said the department received multiple reports on April 13 just before 4 a.m. of a moped struck by a vehicle at the intersection of West Avenue and Reed Street.

Police, firefighters and emergency medical service crews quickly made their way to the area and began providing medical aid to the operator of the moped, who was identified as Jose Olavarria, 52, of Norwalk, Podgorski said.

Olavarria was then taken to Norwalk Hospital by ambulance, where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to Podgorski.

After a comprehensive investigation that included "canvassing the area for surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and reconstructing the accident using evidence from the scene," an arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for Chrishod Johnson, 33, of Norwalk, according to Podgorski.

Johnson was charged with manslaughter in the second degree with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol and or drugs and operating in violation of a limited license.

His bond was set at $50,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court next month, Podgorski said.