Traffic & Transit
Suspect Arrested In Haddam Crash That Killed 14-Year-Old
Gia Vincelett was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on July 29.
HADDAM, CT — A 27-year-old Higganum man was arrested on a warrant by Connectiut State Police Monday in connection with a July hit-and-run crash that killed 14-year-old Haddam resident Gia Vincelett.
Thomas A. Cretella surrendered to state police at Troop F in Westbrook and was charged with the following:
- Negligent homicide with a motor vehicle
- Evading responsibility while operating a motor vehicle
- Illegal passing
According to state police, Vincelett was riding her bicycle with friends at about 10:30 p.m. northbound on Killingworth Road/Route 81 when she was struck by a vehicle from behind. The vehicle then fled.
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
State police quickly developed a "person of interest" in the crash, which eventually led to the arrest of Cretella following an investigation.
As of Monday, a GoFundMe campaign in Vincelett's honor has raised more than$41,000 toward a goal of $50,000.
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Cretella was held in lieu of bail of $250,000, and was scheduled to be arraigned in Middletown Superior Court on Monday.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
