Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run While Trying to Save Dog: Family

Police have questioned the driver accused of hitting and killing a woman who was apparently trying to round up a dog on the side of the road on Tuesday morning in Newington.

According to police, Sharon Frey, 60, of West Hartford, had parked on the southbound side of Willard Avenue in Newington and turned on her hazard lights before she was struck around 6 a.m. Tuesday.

"She appeared to have been corralling a dog after they passed through the intersection; some point shortly after that she was struck," explained Sgt. Chris Perry of the Newington Police Department.

Police found an injured dog and Newington Animal Control picked it up, taking the dog to a Connecticut Veterinary Center nearby.

Officials said the dog is owned and properly licensed. 

Frey's family members called the crash heartbreaking and said the fact that Frey died saving a dog is a testament to her character.

Authorities believe the driver who hit Frey had been traveling behind her, in the same direction, and fled the scene after the crash.

Investigators have identified and questioned the driver, who they said is cooperating with police and has been released from custody. The driver has not been charged.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call the Newington Police Department at 860-666-8445 or Det. Leroy Feeney at the Newington Police Department at 860-594-6208.

Editor's Note: Newington police originally said the pedestrian was a man, but later said the victim is a woman. 

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