Community Corner

City Man Injures 2 Kids in Southington DUI Crash

A 24-year-old Meriden man drove while intoxicated and crashed head-on into a utility pole on Meriden Avenue, according to police, sending children ages 4 and 6 to the hospital.

By Jason Vallee

Two children suffered considerable, but non-life threatening injuries Tuesday and a Meriden man is facing charges after police said he drove while intoxicated and crashed head-on into a utility pole on Meriden Avenue.

Southington police are continuing an investigation into Rafly Santiago, 24, after they said his reckless choices led to the crash and hospitalized the two children and himself. 

Santiago, of 169 Grove St. in Meriden, was arrested shortly after the incident after being treated at Hartford Hospital. He was arraigned on charges of driving under the influence, two counts of risk of injury to a minor, interfering with an officer, failure to maintain proper lane, operating a motor vehicle under suspension and second-degree failure to appear. 

He was released after posting bond, court officials said Wednesday, and is due back in court later this month. 

According to police reports, Santiago was driving northbound on Meriden Avenue when he drifted off the side of the road and ran head-on into a utility pole. The children, ages 4 and 6, were in the rear seat of the car at the time, according to reports, causing them to suffer the injuries. 

Police did not say whether the children were related to Santiago.

“During the course of the investigation, Santiago provided officers with a different first name and they learned that his operator's license was suspended at the time of the accident,” Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said in a press release. “Officers also developed probable cause to show that Santiago was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the accident.”

Santiago is due back in court later this month, court officials said, and will have the option of entering a plea at that time. 


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