Man found dead after fleeing car crash by jumping into Vernon pond

VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) — Vernon fire officials say a man who jumped into a pond after a car crash Thursday night has died.

He was identified by police as 33-year-old Julio Feliciano of Hartford.

Police said the incident happened around 10:20 p.m. in the area of Snipsic Street and East Main Street. On scene, officers found an abandoned white Chevy Malibu with significant damage to the front-end.

According to police, the man fled the scene of the crash and jumped into the water at Paper Mill Pond. Witnesses told first responders they did not see him surface.

On scene, officers said they found a man matching the driver’s description trying to swim across the pond. They were able to keep track of him until he went underwater.

The Tolland County Dive Team assisted the Vernon Fire Department’s marine unit in searching for the man. They were able to find the man and remove him from the water. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

Vernon police are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Vernon police at 860-872-9126.

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