East Haven, CT – Joshua Bethke, a 38-year-old resident of East Haven, was arrested on March 26, 2025, in connection with a hit-and-run incident involving an East Haven fire engine. The crash, which occurred in February, left the fire truck with significant front-end damage and prompted a police investigation to identify the driver responsible.
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Details of the Hit-and-Run Incident
The collision took place on February 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m. while the fire engine was responding to a structure fire in the Foxon area. The emergency vehicle, with its lights and sirens activated, was traveling along Hemingway Avenue when it was struck by a Scion TC. The driver of the Scion, later identified as Bethke, reportedly turned directly into the path of the fire truck, causing a significant impact.
Eyewitnesses, including East Haven fire officials, stated that the driver of the Scion fled the scene immediately after the crash. Bethke allegedly continued driving northbound on Hemingway Avenue before making a turn onto Edward Street to evade law enforcement.
Investigation and Arrest of Joshua Bethke
Following the hit-and-run, the East Haven Police Department launched an investigation to track down the responsible driver. Authorities located a damaged vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s car. Additionally, a side mirror cover found at the crash scene was traced back to a vehicle registered to Bethke.
Despite the mounting evidence, Bethke initially denied any involvement in the incident. However, after further investigation, police secured an arrest warrant. On March 26, 2025, Bethke turned himself in and was officially charged with evading responsibility resulting in property damage.
Court Appearance and Legal Consequences
After his arrest, Bethke was released on a promise to appear in court. His arraignment is scheduled for April 3, 2025. The charge of evading responsibility is a serious offense, particularly since the crash involved an emergency vehicle responding to an urgent situation.
Importance of Traffic Laws and Public Safety
This incident underscores the dangers faced by emergency responders while performing their duties. It also highlights the necessity for drivers to obey traffic laws, especially when emergency vehicles are in operation. Fleeing the scene of an accident not only leads to legal consequences but also puts public safety at risk.
Conclusion
The arrest of Joshua Bethke serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and legal accountability. The quick response by law enforcement ensured that the suspect was identified and charged accordingly. As the case moves forward in court, it reinforces the need for drivers to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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