Victim Identified In Fatal DUI Crash In New Haven: Police

NEW HAVEN, CT — Eric Joseph Pechalonis, 52, of Hamden, has been identified as the pedestrian who was struck and killed by a DUI driver while he was trying to cross the street Monday night in New Haven, police said in an update. The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 at the intersection of Ella Grasso Boulevard and Orange Avenue.

Before the crash, investigators believe Pechalonis was talking east from Orange Avenue. As he tried to cross toward Columbus Avenue at the Ella Grasso Boulevard intersection, a southbound motor vehicle on the Boulevard stopped for him, according to New Haven police Capt. Anthony Duff.

Duff said a second southbound vehicle on the Boulevard passed the first vehicle, as it slowed for the pedestrian crossing, and then struck Pechalonis. The second vehicle, driven by Edward Lugo, hit Pechalonis, traveled a short distance and then struck a utility pole, according to Duff.

The collision broke the wooden utility pole and caused an electrical transformer fire, which eventually burned itself out.

Pechalonis was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Lugo remained at the scene and failed a field sobriety test, according to Duff. He was arrested and taken to the NHPD Union Avenue Detention Center for additional testing.

As part of the investigation and for additional inspection, Duff said police impounded Lugo’s full-sized BMW X7 sport utility vehicle.

Lugo, 39, was charged with driving under the influence of liquor or drugs. Additional charges are pending further investigation, Duff said. Lugo was held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6316.