Driver Arrested After Danbury Crash That Toppled Utility Poles: Police

DANBURY, CT — A Danbury man was arrested after police said he fled the scene of a crash Tuesday that toppled multiple utility poles and caused major traffic disruptions.

The crash near Triangle Street and Starr Road downed wires and closed roads in the area for several hours. Police said a live wire created a significant hazard for drivers and emergency crews.

According to Danbury police, the crash began when a vehicle struck a telephone pole, triggering a chain reaction that caused three additional utility poles to fall.

Police said the operator fled the scene along with three passengers before officers later located the driver.

The operator, identified by police as Randi Shook, 28, of Danbury, was charged with:

• First-degree reckless endangerment
• Interfering with an officer
• Reckless driving
• Evading responsibility involving physical injury
• Traveling too fast for conditions
• Failure to drive in the proper lane
• Failure to wear a seatbelt

Police said Shook was transported to a hospital for treatment.

According to police, a vehicle occupant was issued a misdemeanor summons on a charge of interfering with an officer.

Another passenger was issued a promise to appear on charges of interfering with an officer and use of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Police said a third occupant, Dean Loconte, was being held at the Danbury Police Department on two PRAWN warrants carrying $25,000 bonds each, along with an additional $1,000 bond on a charge of interfering with an officer connected to the crash investigation.