Waterbury Police have arrested the driver they say is responsible for a hit-and-run accident that killed a teenager and injured a 21-year-old in Waterbury.
Investigators located the blue 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier involved in the crash Tuesday. The car's owner, Michael McHaney, 29, admitted he was driving the car when it struck the two victims around 11:30 p.m. on Monday at Aurora Street and the Route 73 Connector, according to police.
"He partially covered it up trying to hide it," Captain Chris Corbett said. "He did admit to hitting the two pedestrians and fleeing the scene."
McHaney told investigators he fled because he wanted to avoid being arrested.
"He actually then stated he waited to see on the news how serious it was before he turned himself in," Corbett said.
Investigators are looking into whether McHaney was drinking at the time of the crash.
Police said one of the victims, 17-year-old Joshua Rodriguez, suffered serious head injuries, and died around 2 p.m Tuesday. Rodriguez would have turned 18 this Saturday.
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The other victim, Richard Resto, 21, remains in stable condition at St. Mary's Hospital, where he is being treated for leg and hip injuries.
Catherine Snide, Resto's grandmother, said she was shaken when she heard the news Monday night but was glad he was alive.
"I don't think it's right," Snide said, when talking about the driver. "They don't have no heart, they should stop and see."
McHaney is charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle and felony evading responsibility. He is being held on $500,000 bond.
McHaney has a lengthy criminal record, according to online records. In 2004 he was sentenced for engaging police in a pursuit. In 2009 he served time for driving under the influence.
He will be in court Wednesday morning.
