MERIDEN, Conn. — The corrections officer who allegedly shot and killed a Middlefield man in what police called a road rage incident last week faced a judge Wednesday afternoon.
William Lucky, Jr., 32, of North Haven is now charged with murder.
Lucky Jr. turned himself in to police hours after the incident. He was not formally charged with murder until this week.
A ten-page arrest warrant detailed what led up to the shooting and it all started with one car 'brake-checking' the other.
On January 14, police received reports of a shooting on I-691 eastbound in Meriden near exit 2A.
When officers arrived, they found Scott Kracke, 49, of Middlefield shot several times. He was later pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital.
During Wednesday's hearing, the judge highlighted the severity of Lucky Jr.'s actions that very night.
"The court has revealed the affidavit and the circumstances are certainly serious," said the judge.
According to the warrant, Kracke's fiancé who was a passenger that night stated Lucky Jr. cut them off on the highway.
When Kracke passed them, he 'brake-checked' Lucky Jr.
Kracke at one point pulled over on the side of the highway and got out of his truck.
Seconds later, Kracke was seen on the ground, though she said she did not hear the gun go off.
Attorney Michael Hillis said he has known Lucky Jr. since he was 15 years old whose actions were in response to protecting his toddler who was in the car with him.
"If someone comes on you and you pray for your life, the law allows you to protect yourself and by the way, I think it will come out that he had a baby in a car seat behind him, so I’m going to protect my baby against anyone who’s going to try and kill me," said Attorney Hillis.
Police also talked to the mother of the toddler who was a passenger in Lucky Jr's car that night. She stated Kracke cut them off and it led to their toddler crying.
She added Kracke then got out of his car and yelled at Lucky Jr. who allegedly shouted, "What the **** is your problem?!"
That is when Lucky Jr. allegedly shot and killed Kracke, got back into the car crying, and said, "I didn't want to do this."
Attorney Hillis told FOX61 the gun used is a registered firearm and Lucky Jr. is a man with no criminal history,
"He’s a good citizen and now he’s going to pay the price for Second Amendment rights," added Attorney Hillis.
CT State Police pointed to the increase of aggressive drivers since the pandemic and reminded drivers to practice patience.
"Do not get out of your vehicle. We want everyone to be safe. If you feel that you are getting into a situation where it’s becoming dangerous or can escalate quickly, call 911, so our officers can get on scene quickly," said Trooper Pedro Muniz.
Lucky Jr.'s bond remained at $2.5 million and he is expected to reappear in court next month.
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