Groton police: Riders took dirt bike, left victims of fatal crash in road

by: Courtney Ingalls, Braley Dodson, Jayne Chacko

Posted: Aug 29, 2023 / 03:53 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 30, 2023 / 04:26 AM EDT

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) — Groton’s police chief is calling on riders driving illegal dirt bikes and ATVs to stop after a woman was killed and a man critically injured in a crash on Monday night.

The crash happened at about 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Long Hill Road and Meridian Street Extension when a dirt bike hit the back of a 2010 Audi Q7.

The two riders on the bike were with a group of drivers on illegal vehicles who were going through the area and running red lights, doing doughnuts and trying to bait officers into chasing them according to police — who clarified that no chase happened. The other drivers took the dirt bike but left the two injured riders in the road.

Tiara Wheeler, 24, of Norwich, was killed. A 25-year-old man remained in critical condition, as of Tuesday afternoon.

“What is most troubling is that someone who may have been traveling with them stopped for this crash, and rather than rendering aid to the critically injured parties, removed the dirt bike from the road,” Groton Police Chief L.J. Fusaro said in a written statement. “In addition to the wanton disregard for human life, the actions of removing that involved dirt bike from the scene has tampered with and impeded this investigation.”

VIDEO: Groton police release surveillance video of the crash. Watch it below.

Fusaro said he’s seen ATVs and dirt bikes in town all summer. He worries this behavior will continue.

“We’re not going to put people in harm’s way by pursuing them but something needs to change,” he said.

State Rep. Christine Conley (D-District 40) said there are state laws that allow police to fine these drivers, but getting these vehicles off the road is key.

“If you know someone who is doing this, call police right away and hopefully they can catch the person, get them safe before they pass or someone else gets hurt,” she said.

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