E-Bike Operator Sought After Striking, Seriously Injuring SCSU Professor

NEW HAVEN, CT — Police are still searching for the operator of an e-bike which struck and seriously injured a Southern Connecticut State University professor Friday night.

New Haven police spokesman Officer Christian Bruckhart said the accident happened on Oct. 9 around 9:09 p.m. in the area of 827 Whalley Ave., which is the address for the Lyric Hall theater.

Two pedestrians were entering the marked crosswalk in front of the venue to cross Whalley Avenue.

According to police, motor vehicle traffic stops at a traffic signal for Whalley and West Rock avenues.

Police said the operator of what appears to be an e-bike was northbound on Whalley Avenue. The operator then passed vehicles stopped at the signal on the right and continued through the intersection, according to Bruckhart.

The e-bike operator then struck one of the pedestrians in the marked crosswalk and fled the scene, according to police.

The pedestrian was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital with serious injuries.

SCSU has identified the victim as a professor in its English department, Michael Shea.

Allison O'Leary, a spokesperson for SCSU, said faculty, staff, and Shea’s students have been informed about the incident. Another professor will be covering his courses for as long as needed, she said.

“We were deeply saddened to learn that Professor Mike Shea, a longtime member of our English department, was seriously injured Friday evening when he was struck by an e-bike while crossing the street. New Haven police are investigating after the operator left the scene. Our thoughts are with Mike and his family, and we wish him strength in his recovery,” the university said, in an emailed statement.

Yale hospital officials did not immediately provide an update on Shea’s condition Thursday.

Anyone with information on the operator of the e-bike is asked to contact New Haven police at 203-946-6304, or anonymous tips can be submitted at 1-866-888-TIPS(8477).