Deadly Hit-and-Run Was Driver's Second Crash of the Day: Cops

The driver suspected in a high-speed hit-and-run crash that killed a New Britain mom in Newington late last month was involved in another hit-and-run crash earlier that day, according to the warrant for his arrest.

Dennis Martinez, 36, of East Hartford, turned himself in to police Tuesday and was charged with manslaughter. He appeared in court on Wednesday, where bond was set at $150,000.

According to the arrest warrant, Martinez had backed into another car in a parking lot on Brockett Street in Newington, outside Aucello EyeCare Center, prior to the deadly collision on Feb. 27.

The driver whose car was struck told police he and his wife were going to eat next door at Puerto Vallarta at the time of the crash. He said Martinez glanced over his shoulder but didn't stop. He drove out of the parking lot and turned south onto the Berlin Turnpike, according to the arrest warrant.

Then, at around 10 p.m., Martinez's truck "slammed" into a Mazda driven by 51-year-old Sonya Atkins near the intersection of Willard Avenue and Robbins Avenue. Witnesses told police Martinez sped through a red light without ever hitting his brakes, the warrant says.

Martinez abandoned his car and ran from the scene. Police said footprints in the snow led to the back of 1099 Willard Avenue. Dogs tracked him to the area of the Indian Hill Country Club, where the scent ended and Martinez was likely picked up.

Authorities examining Martinez's truck found the speedometer stuck at 83 mph, according to the arrest warrant.

New Britain police said Martinez is also among 45 people arrested in connection with a cockfighting bust last month. According to the warrant for his arrest, police found a bond form in his truck marked with the name of another person arrested during the East Windsor raid.

They used the booking information from Martinez's arrest to track him down.

Martinez has been charged with first-degree manslaughter, evading responsibility, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, driving without insurance and second-degree forgery.

He appeared in court on Wednesday and is due back in court on April 15.