Teen Killed; Driver Charged with Manslaughter

A man is charged with fleeing the scene after he allegedly struck and killed a 17-year-old teen in East Haven Friday night.

Anthony Criscio, 51, of East Haven is accused of driving drunk on Coe Ave and mowing down 17-year-old Christian Ngongi of Birch Drive, New Haven while he was crossing the street with a friend shortly after 9 p.m.

Police say after Criscio struck Ngongi he fled in his Dodge Ram pickup truck but then returned to the scene and appeared to be intoxicated.

Ngongi was transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced dead from massive blunt force trauma.

Investigators say Criscio dropped his truck off at home and then walked back to the scene to surrender.

Criscio is charged with operating under the influence, manslaughter in the second degree with a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Ngongi's friend was not injured.

Ngongi was going to be entering into his senior year of high school at Joseph A. Foran High in Milford. Greif counselors were on hand at the school on Saturday night to help fellow students deal with the tragedy.

"We're devastated. Teachers already emailed me about the bright smile and joy he brought to everyone. He was a wonderful kid and all around great student," said John Barile, the school's principal.

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