Crime & Safety
Police Release ID Of Danbury Pedestrian Killed By Accused Drunk Driver In Waterbury
A Waterbury woman is facing several charges, including manslaughter and operating under the influence.
WATERBURY, CT — Police on Monday released the identity of the pedestrian who was struck and killed last week by a suspected drunk driver.
Police Sgt. Joseph Morais said the victim of the Aug. 20 accident was Marco Leon-Lopez, 43, of Danbury. He suffered severe head trauma and died at the scene, according to police.
The accident happened on South Main Street. Police arrived at the scene around 9:45 p.m. and found the victim lying on the roadway adjacent to an SUV, police said.
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According to police, officers determined the SUV’s driver, Meralis Rivera-Maldonado, 38, of Waterbury, hit the pedestrian, then continued forward and collided with two unoccupied parked vehicles before coming to a stop.
Police said they interviewed the driver and observed “distinct signs” of intoxication.
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Rivera-Maldonado was charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, reckless driving, and operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Her next court date is on Aug. 25.
The police department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the accident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the unit at 203-346-3975 or call the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 203-755-1234.
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