Truck Driver Rescued After Collision With Stolen Vehicle In Chesterfield

By Dirk Langeveld

Three police officers are being credited with saving a man's life after his truck was thrown into a Chesterfield pond following a collision with a stolen vehicle this afternoon.

Capt. Thomas Garbedian of the Connecticut State Police said two troopers and an East Lyme police officer were able to rescue the driver of an Osterman Propane truck after it plunged into the water. The accident occurred at the intersection of Route 85 and Route 161, and traffic is being detoured around the site.

Garbedian said troopers with Connecticut State Police Troop F began pursuing a stolen vehicle in Old Saybrook northbound along I-95. Troopers with Troop E joined the pursuit after it entered Troop E's coverage area.

Garbedian said the officers were able to cut the propane truck driver's seat belt to free him.

“They believe that they basically saved the propane truck driver’s life by getting him out of the water,” he said.

The driver was taken by Life Star to Hartford Hospital. The two occupants of the stolen vehicle were arrested and taken to Backus Hospital.

Garbedian said accident reconstruction personnel are en route to the scene. He said he did not know when the roadways will be reopened.