Milardo Lane in Middletown turned into swarm of local, state and federal authorities Thursday after officials say a resident of the street slammed his car through the emergency doors of Middlesex Hospital then set himself on fire.
Authorities set out to search 27-year-old Steven Ellam’s home after he was identified as a suspect. Neighbor Lou DiMauro says he’s never seen police at the home. Authorities said in a news conference though they will be reviewing Ellam’s lengthy criminal history which dates back to when he was 14 years old.
“That is one of our regular customers who would come in several times a week, just get a coffee. Usually a quiet person, in and out real quick. It was kind of surprising,” Mike Lavoie said.
Lavoie, manager of Klekolo World Coffee, was unaware of Ellam’s criminal history and surprised to learn he was the man who caused the incident at the hospital Thursday.
“I had no idea. He used to come in and collect grounds, I guess he was doing work with a farm. He seemed like a normal person. I mean if you’re working for a farm I assume you’re more of a mellow path chill person,” Lavoie said.
For Bill Wilson, worlds collided Thursday. His sister, a Middlesex Hospital nurse was there during the crash. Wilson was later surprised to learn Ellam lives down the street from a friend’s house he was checking on.
“You just don’t expect this. I mean I never expected anything like this. Waking up to this and seeing everything that’s going on. What possesses someone to do this is beyond me. It’s very sad,” Bill Wilson said.
Local
Officials said are still trying to figure out Ellam’s motive behind his actions Thursday. Ellam was airlifted to Bridgeport Hospital after the incident, where he remains in critical condition.
