Mayor Caroline Simmons released the following statement regarding the motor vehicle collision that occurred in the early morning on Saturday, December 3rd at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Main Street and resulted in the deaths of the two pedestrians.
“I want to offer my deepest condolences to the families of Giovani Vega Benis and Yuliana Arias Lozano,” said Mayor Simmons. “This is a devastating tragedy for our community and my thoughts and prayers are with their friends and family during this difficult time. While we understand the frustration of those who think the driver should have been arrested on the day of the incident, there is due diligence and a process that must be followed in fatal crash investigations. I want to assure the families that the City, the Stamford Police Department, and my administration will do everything we can to support you during this difficult time and ensure that justice is served.”
The Stamford Police Department is actively working on this investigation with the assistance of the Stamford State’s Attorney’s Office. Mayor Simmons and Director of Public Safety Lou DeRubeis have been in communication with the States Attorney Paul J. Ferencek, who is in agreement with the steps that have been taken and the direction of the ongoing investigation.
“During fatal crash investigations, prematurely arresting an operator can potentially hinder the chances of a successful prosecution. Search warrants, lab work, and reconstruction are elements to a fatal investigation that must be completed before an arrest warrant can be applied for,” said Sgt. Booth.
The City will continue to work with local and state partners to make Stamford’s streets safer for pedestrians to avoid future tragedies.