GROTON, Conn. — One person was killed and another was critically injured in a crash Monday night. Police believe the pair was involved in a street takeover and ran a red light when they struck an SUV turning into a shopping center with a green arrow.
Police said they received several 911 calls at 9:26 p.m., Groton Emergency Dispatch about a crash with several vehicles at the intersection of Long Hill Rd and Meridian Street Extension.
Police said a group of motorcyclists and ATV drivers who had been seen in another part of town driving recklessly, went through a red light at the same time a woman driving an Audi was turning left at a green light. Some of the group of motorcyclists and ATV drivers were driving without their lights on.
One of the dirt bikes crashed into the Audi, and the driver and passenger suffered injuries. Tiara Wheeler, 24 of Norwich, was thrown from the bike and struck the Audi died at the scene. The driver of the dirt bike, who police identified as Scott Whipple, 25, of Mashantucket, also struck the Audi and suffered critical injuries. The driver of the Audi was taken to L&M Hospital to be evaluated and later released.
Police said some of the others in the group took the dirt bike that was involved in the crash from the scene without providing assistance to the two injured riders. Officers had earlier seen a group of riders operating recklessly on Long Hill Road and Route 12, doing donuts and popping wheelies in intersections and apparently attempting to bait officers into pursuing them, which officers did not do.
Town of Groton Police Chief L. J. Fusaro, said in a statement, "In addition to the wanton disregard for human life, the actions of removing the involved dirt bike from the scene has tampered with and impeded this investigation. Moreover, reckless behavior on the roadways poses a danger to those operators and innocent motorists. Unless this behavior stops, I fear more of these senseless tragedies will occur."
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has other information, and urge anyone who may have information about this crash, the location of the involved dirt bike or the identity of any persons who were in this group of riders to contact the department. at Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.
Doug Stewart is a Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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