West Hartford Police Follow Anti-Freeze Trail to Suspect in Hit and Run Bike Accident

A West Hartford woman who allegedly struck a bicyclist with her car and left the scene early Friday morning was apprehended by police after they followed a trail of anti-freeze from the damaged vehicle to the woman's home.

According to police, Maria Vega, 45, of 160 Hollywood Ave. struck a bicycle being ridden by 49-year-old Raymond Sanchez of Hartford at approximately 2:25 a.m. at 490 New Park Ave. in the area of Home Depot and Raymour & Flanigan.

Sanchez was heading north on New Park Ave. on his way home from work, police said, and had proper head and tail lights on his bicycle.

Police said that Sanchez's bicycle was struck from behind by a driver who stopped briefly, made a u-turn, and then fled south on New Park Ave. The bicycle was destroyed, and Sanchez was transported to St. Francis Hospital with multiple injuries. According to police, the injuries are not life-threatening at this time.

According to the incident report, West Hartford Police Off. Dave Strzalka followed a trail of anti-freeze and located the suspect car, a 2005 Jeep Liberty, at 160 Hollywood Ave. The vehicle had heavy damage to the right front area as well as the windshield, police said.

Police seized the vehicle and arrested Vega at the scene. She has been charged with evading responsibility, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive right, and interfering with an officer. She has been released on $25,000 non-surety bond.

Police also charged Brenda Viera, 41, of 35 Adams St., East Hartford, with interfering with an officer. Viera was released on $5,000 non-surety bond.

Anyone who has information regarding the accident should call the West Hartford Police traffic division at 860-523-2007.