A driver hit a bicyclist and then crashed into the back of a school bus while she was trying to leave the scene in Hartford on Tuesday morning.
Police said the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Josmary Rodriguez, of New Britain, hit a bicyclist at the intersection of Gold Street and Main Street around 6:40 a.m.
While attempting to leave the scene, she crashed into the back of a First Student school bus near the intersection of Wells Street and Main Street.
The crash closed Main Street between Wells Street and Gold Street for hours. The road has since reopened.
The bus was carrying six Hartford Region Open Choice Program students to Cromwell, CREC Executive Director Greg Florio said.
Three students who were on the bus were transported to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries, officials said. The other three students were assessed for injuries at the scene and were released back to their parents.
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Rodriguez fled from the scene of the bus crash on foot before being apprehended by officers at Main Street and Buckingham Street, police said.
She was given a field sobriety test and has been taken into custody.
“There’s going to be quite a few charges. There’s going to be motor vehicle, there’s going to be DUI charges. Evading charges,” said Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert.
Rodriguez is facing charges including DUI, reckless driving, evading responsibility with serious injury, operating without a license and interfering with police.
The bicyclist suffered injuries in the crash and was in critical condition. He has since been upgraded to stable condition.
Bike riders said this is a wakeup call to stay alert.
“It is a precaution, and that’s why I have lights on my bike and stuff. Safety first. It’s too bad it happened,” said James Barttels, of East Hartford.
