New Britain Man Killed in High Road Hit-and-Run

A New Britain man struck by a driver on High Road near the Chamberlain Highway Saturday night has died from “serious injuries” suffered in the accident, police said Monday morning, and the woman involved is now facing related charges.

The 36-year-old Eber Perez, of 571 Myrtle St. in New Britain, was taken to the Hospital of Central Connecticut with injuries, police said Monday, but eventually died while at the hospital. He had been walking on the side of the road when he was struck, Berlin Deputy Chief John Klett said.

“Initial investigation indicates that Perez was walking southbound on the right shoulder of High Road when he was struck from behind by the vehicle operated by (Debra) Bailey,” Klett said.

“Bailey initially stopped but left the scene of the crash prior to the arrival of the police. She was located at her home and arrested for operating under the influence,” he said. “Additional charges are expected pending further investigation.”

Bailey, 60, of 42 Huckleberry Lane in Kensington, was taken into custody Saturday night and released after posting bond. She is due in New Britain Superior Court in January 2014.

The accident occurred Saturday just before 8 p.m. in the area of High Road near the Chamberlain Highway in Berlin, Klett said. Perez was not crossing the street as police initially indicated, but rather was walking along the right side of the road, heading the same direction as traffic.

The Mid-State Accident Reconstruction Squad was called in to assist in the investigation.  Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact Traffic Officer Robert Canto at (860) 828-7080.

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