A woman died and another person was critically injured after the dirt bike they were on collided with a car in Groton Monday night, according to police.
The crash happened just before 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Long Hill Road and Meridian Street Extension. Police said they received several 911 calls.
A group of as many as a dozen dirt bikes were riding around town when they went through traffic and one of the dirt bikes collided with a car that had the right of way, according to Police Chief Louis Fusaro Jr.
Two people on the dirt bike were thrown to the ground and left behind by the other riders, who took off with the bike that was involved in the crash, Chief Fusaro said.
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The woman died of her injuries and the other person is in critical condition, he said. Police have identified the woman who died as Tiara Wheeler, 24, of Norwich, and said she was a passenger on the dirt bike.
Detectives are looking for video of the incident.
"This is a very unfortunate tragedy that resulted in the loss of life of one young lady, and a second young man is clinging to life. From all indications, there was a group of motorcycles and ATVs that were operating recklessly both before and after this crash. What is most troubling is that someone who may have been traveling with them stopped
for this crash, and rather than rendering aid to the critically injured parties, removed the dirt bike from the road," Police Chief Louis Fusaro Jr. said in a statement.
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"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. ," Fusaro added.
Fusaro is asking the public for assistance and urges anyone who has information about the crash, the location of the involved dirt bike, or the identity of anyone who was in the group of riders to contact the department.
Anyone who saw the crash or who may have video is asked to call Groton police at 860-441-6712.
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