SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — The South Windsor Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Officer Benjamin Lovett died Tuesday morning from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash that happened while he was off duty in Tolland two weeks ago.
State Police say that on June 26, Spencer Kraus of Ellington struck a motorcycle at the intersection of Hunter Road and Crystal Lake Road and appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Officers said they smelled alcohol on him, consequently conducting multiple field sobriety tests, which he failed.
Kraus was arrested and is facing several charges, including manslaughter and 2nd degree assault with a motor vehicle.
According to an arrest warrant, Kraus admitted to drinking at an Ellington bar hours before the accident.
The police report lists Lovett on the motorcycle involved in the crash.
Bunting has been put up at the department to honor Lovett.
Lovett was hired by the South Windsor Police Department in April 2018. The department said that Lovett had demonstrated himself to be pro-active, effective, and a valuable team player.
South Windsor PD released the details of Officer Lovett's wake and funeral. They are as follows:
- Wake will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 20. It will be held at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor.
- Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. in the Auditorium of South Windsor High School.
In May 2020, Lovett was designated a narcotics investigator, joining the East Central Narcotics Task Force, a regional team comprised of Manchester, Vernon, Glastonbury, and South Windsor officers.
Officer Lovett has received numerous letters of appreciation from the public, he is the recipient of the 2020 Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) recognition award, he served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within our department, a certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member, and he held numerous investigation and narcotic training certificates.
But the department said that most of all, Lovett was a valuable member of the department, an easy-going and bright officer, and a friend who would be greatly missed by his family and the department.
Two years ago, South Windsor police lost another officer, Matthew Mainieri. Officials say he was trying to break up a fight when he suffered head injuries and later died.
Kraus is due to in Rockville Superior Court on July 20.
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.