Infiniti crossed centerline and struck a Ford Ranger pickup truck during a police chase
March 23, 2026 | New Haven, CT
New Haven authorities responded to a tragic two-vehicle collision that claimed one life and left two people injured.
The crash occurred when a driver attempted to evade a traffic stop, leading to a deadly accident.
Jonathan Damato, 21, was injured after an Infiniti fleeing police crashed into a Ford Ranger on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard in New Haven.
What Happened in the Crash?
Connecticut State Police reported that a trooper attempted to pull over an Infiniti G37 for suspected misuse of plates on an Interstate 95 off-ramp around 10 a.m. The driver refused to comply and sped away, eventually crossing into oncoming traffic on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard near Washington Avenue. There, the Infiniti collided head-on with a Ford Ranger pickup truck.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: March 23, approximately 10 a.m.
- Location: Ella T. Grasso Boulevard near Washington Avenue, New Haven, CT
- Vehicles Involved: Infiniti G37 and Ford Ranger
- Agencies: Connecticut State Police and New Haven Police Department
Who Was Involved and What Were the Outcomes?
The 21-year-old driver of the Infiniti was pronounced dead at the scene. A 21-year-old passenger in the Infiniti, Jonathan Damato of Shelton, sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Ford Ranger also suffered injuries and received medical attention.
The New Haven Police Department is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash and the fleeing incident.
Why Do Police Pursuit Crashes Occur?
Traffic laws require drivers to yield to police during traffic stops. Authorities are reviewing whether officers adhered to pursuit protocols in this case. Such incidents highlight the risks of evading law enforcement, which can escalate into dangerous situations on public roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of injury and death. In 2023, approximately 2.2 million people were injured in crashes across the United States.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Total Injuries from Motor Vehicle Crashes (2023) |
2.2 million |
NHTSA |
Annual Crash-Related Fatalities (Average) |
Over 40,000 |
CDC |
Percentage of Crashes Involving Speeding |
29% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights
Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle incidents.
"It is essential to reconstruct the accident to identify all the vehicles involved and determine the circumstances that led to the accident or the driver at fault. Insurance companies are never on the side of a victim injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. According to the Insurance Research Institute, on average, an injured person who receives help from a lawyer ends up receiving three and a half times more money than those who do not."
Key takeaways from such cases:
- Reconstruct the scene to establish fault and liability.
- Avoid immediate statements to insurance companies, as shock can impact outcomes.
- Competent legal guidance protects rights and maximizes compensation in personal injury claims.
In crashes involving pursuits, victims or families may pursue personal injury lawsuits. These can address not just physical harm but also emotional, social, and economic impacts.
"People who get into an auto accident suffer unimaginable consequences in the form of mental and physical pain, and, in cases of fatalities, the victim’s family and loved ones are left devastated. It is always recommended that, as a victim, you don’t give statements right away after the crash to an insurance company. Hiring an attorney will be the best route to protect your rights."
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(Andrew G. Finkelstein, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices to help you, please call 855-976-8163 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).