Sergeant

Man Charged in Fatal New Britain Hit-and-Run Due Back in Court Next Month

A New Britain man charged in a fatal hit-and-run over the weekend appeared in court Wednesday and is due back in court next month.

Police arrested 22-year-old Jonathan Rafael Soto Tuesday. Police allege that Soto was the driver of a vehicle that struck 64-year-old Angel Colon on Allen Street around 4 p.m. Saturday.

Colon suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he died nearly four hours later. A medical examiner determined that Colon died of blunt head and lower extremity trauma and the manner of death was ruled an accident, according to the arrest warrant application.

One witness reported seeing a vehicle hit Colon, then leave the scene, according to court documents. Another witness gave a description of the driver and said the vehicle had a smashed windshield.

After police issued a news release and put out an appeal for information, they received more than 50 tips from the public, which led people to more information that eventually led them to Soto.

Soto turned himself in at police headquarters when he learned of the warrant for his arrest, police said. Soto is charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, evading responsibility in operating of motor vehicle resulting in death, and illegal operation of a motor vehicle with minimal insurance.

He was held on a $500,000 bond and it remains at the same amount after a court appearance Wednesday.

Soto is due back in court on June 1 and his attorney as that Soto be placed on suicide watch.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact Sgt. Steven King of the New Britain Police Traffic Unit at 860-826-3071.

Contact Us