26-03-2025
Man arrested for hit-and-run involving East Haven fire engine in February
EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — An East Haven man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a hit-and-run involving a fire engine in February, police said.
Joshua Bethke, 38, was charged with evading responsibility, resulting in property damage.
According to police, the fire engine was struck around 6:30 p.m. on February 11 while responding to a structure fire in the Foxon area with the siren and lights on. The engine was traveling on Hemingway Avenue when a Scion TC turned directly into the truck.
Vehicle involved in East Haven fire engine hit-and-run found
The crash caused front-end damage to the engine, police said. The driver of the Scion fled the scene, continuing northbound on Hemingway Avenue before turning westbound onto Edward Street, authorities said.
A vehicle was later found with damage consistent with what was reported by East Haven fire officials and eyewitnesses who remained at the scene, police said. A side mirror cover found at the scene was determined to belong to Bethke's car. At the time, Bethke denied involvement, and officials continued investigating, police said.
Officers submitted an arrest warrant for Bethke, and he turned himself in.
He was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear in court on April 3.
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