Motorist Charged In Fatal West Hartford Pedestrian Collision: PD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — An 83-year-old local woman is accused of hitting an elderly pedestrian with her vehicle in November and then leaving the scene of the accident.

Police on Tuesday charged Sue Deffenbaugh, 83, of West Hartford, on a warrant with one count of evading responsibility resulting in death, and one count of failure to exercise reasonable care near a vulnerable user on a public way.

On Nov. 8, 2024, the pedestrian was struck by two vehicles, and she later died in the hospital due to her injuries, according to Capt. Aaron Vafiades. Police at the time identified the victim as 87-year-old Patricia Brulotte of West Hartford.

The accident happened at the intersection of Oakwood Avenue and St. James Street.

Police said a northbound vehicle struck the pedestrian as she crossed Oakwood Avenue. According to police, the pedestrian had been in an “uncontrolled” crosswalk, meaning there is no traffic signal or stop sign there. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way.

According to police, after the initial collision, the pedestrian was struck by a second vehicle which had been traveling southbound on Oakwood Avenue.

The first vehicle remained on scene, and the operator cooperated with the investigation, according to police.

Police said the second vehicle fled the scene and was last seen traveling southbound on Oakwood Avenue. On Wednesday, police announced they had identified Deffenbaugh as the operator of the second vehicle.

Deffenbaugh posted a $400,000 court set bond, and she is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Hartford on April 24. Police said there is a stipulation that Deffenbaugh is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle.

Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department via its tip line at 860-570-8969 or via email at whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.