NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A Connecticut state trooper was killed in a hit-and-run on Interstate 84 in Southington Thursday afternoon, according to Connecticut State Police.
Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, a nine-year veteran with the Connecticut State Police, was on a traffic stop just before Exit 31 when he was hit outside of his cruiser by a passing vehicle, state police said. The suspect was taken into custody a short time later.
Following Pelletier’s death, several law enforcement departments and public officials expressed condolences.
Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.)
“My heart and thoughts are with the family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today while upholding his duty to keep our state safe. This devastating tragedy highlights the daily dangers that Connecticut troopers and police officers confront as they protect our communities. I am deeply grateful for their courage and sacrifice and will always remember the risks they take to serve us all. May God bless Trooper Pelletier.”
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz (D-Conn.)
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Trooper First Class Pelletier. Members of the Connecticut State Police are known for their steadfast dedication to each other and to maintaining incredibly high standards of policing – but above all to their unwavering commitment to the protection and service of others and our state. State Troopers are out every day on our roadways trying to protect the public – it is tragic to know that this Trooper’s life was lost while conducting a routine traffic stop. I want to urge residents to please always remain vigilant and cautious when driving, but especially when the State Police are on the roads performing their jobs. My prayers are with the loved ones and colleagues of Trooper Pelletier.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)
“Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier bravely answered the call of duty this afternoon and made the ultimate sacrifice. His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers all first responders face at work, and a stark reminder to motorists that they must slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles. Failures to slow down and move over are common killers on our roadways and this loss should be a lesson that saves the lives of other courageous first responders. My prayers are with the Pelletier family and the entire Connecticut State Police as they mourn this loss.”
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
“This is terrible, terrible news. Our thoughts are with Trooper Pelletier’s family and the State Police tonight. What an awful tragedy.”
House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora
“My heart and thoughts are with the family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today while upholding his duty to keep our state safe. This devastating tragedy highlights the daily dangers that Connecticut troopers and police officers confront as they protect our communities. I am deeply grateful for their courage and sacrifice and will always remember the risks they take to serve us all. May God bless Trooper Pelletier.”
Attorney General William Tong
“I am absolutely heartbroken for the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. We must all pray for and support his family and friends, and every state trooper and officer today, especially those who worked alongside Trooper Pelletier and those who are still out on our roads right now keeping our communities safe in the midst of this tragedy. This demonstrates how much risk our state troopers and law enforcement take every day to keep us safe. From what we know so far, this did not have to happen. We must do all that we can to stop the dangerous and reckless driving putting people, families, and our law enforcement at risk all over our highways today.”
Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), co-chairman of the Public Safety and Security Committee
“Today’s tragic loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect us. As co-chairman of the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to the trooper’s family and colleagues. This terrible incident should serve as a reminder to all of us to exercise care and responsibility behind the wheel in order to protect ourselves, other drivers and the lives of the dedicated men and women who keep us safe.”
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)
“I am heartbroken by the news that Connecticut State Police Trooper Aaron Pelletier was killed in the line of duty. Each day our brave law enforcement officials venture out to serve our communities they put their lives on the line. Their service keeps our communities and families safe and secure.Trooper Pelletierembodied that service with unwavering selflessness, commitment, and courage. I know this loss leaves a hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and our entire state community thatTrooper Pelletierso faithfully protected. I am praying for his loved ones and colleagues at this difficult time.”
Avon Police Department
“The Avon Police Department extends our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed this afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while on a traffic stop. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, kids, family, friends and brothers and sisters in blue at this difficult time.”
Central Connecticut State University
“The Central Connecticut State University family is mourning the death of Connecticut State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier who died in the line of duty on Thursday, May 30, during a routine traffic stop on I-84 in Southington.
Central President Zulma R. Toro said, ‘We send our deepest condolences to the Pelletier family and to the Connecticut State Police force. Graduates like TFC Pelletier go out into the world and excel in their field of study. By all accounts his dedication to public service and community safety was unmatched.‘
Pelletier graduated from Central in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and a minor in Business.
Faculty in the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department are heartbroken, with many noting that Pelletier was an outstanding student.
The Blue Devil family will join the rest of the state in flying flags at half-staff in honor of Pelletier until further notice by Governor Ned Lamont.“
Canton Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Connecticut State Police, as they mourn the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed this afternoon when he was on duty and struck by a motor vehicle while on a traffic stop on I-84 in Southington.”
Connecticut State Capitol Police
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and our brothers and sisters with Connecticut State Police for the tragic loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. #GoneButNeverForgotten“
Clinton Police Department
“The men and women of The Clinton Police Department would like to express our condolences to The Connecticut State Police and to the family of CSP Trooper Aaron Pelletier who tragically lost his life in the Line of Duty earlier today.”
Department of Correction
“The staff members of the Connecticut Department of Correction extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier.
The tragic loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier hits especially close to home as he was one of our agency’s correction officers prior to joining the ranks of the State Police,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Angel Quiros. “Trooper Pelletier’s death serves as a reminder of the selfless sacrifice made each day by every member of the law enforcement community.
Trooper First Class Pelletier joined the ranks of the Connecticut Department of Correction on June 14, 2013. He worked as a Correction Officer assigned to the Hartford Correctional Center until leaving to become a State Police Trooper Trainee on June 12, 2015.
Representatives from the Department of Correction’s K-9 Unit proudly took part in the law enforcement procession that escorted Trooper First Class Pelletier to the office of the medical examiner’s office in Farmington.“
East Haven Police Department
“We are heartbroken to hear of the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to TFC Pelletier’s family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you TFC Pelletier for your service and dedication to our community.”
East Lyme Police Department
“The East Lyme Police Department expresses its condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536 of the Connecticut State Police. RIP TFC , EOW 05/30/2024.”
Glastonbury Police Department
“Rest in peace TFC Aaron Pelletier #536 of Troop H, with the Connecticut State Police. The men and women of GPD have the Pelletier family and the CSP family in our thoughts and prayers. #536, you will never be forgotten.“
Guilford Police Department
“The men and women of the Guilford Police Department extend our sincerest condolences to our Connecticut State Police Family as they mourn one of their own, senselessly killed by a careless driver on the highway today. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was doing the job he was sworn to do; protecting the public and making the roadways safe for others. The move over law is not to inconvenience the public, it is to keep our first responders safe. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and co-workers on this very tragic day.”
Fairfield Police Department
“It is with profound sadness that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Connecticut State Police on the tragic line of duty death of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536 of Troop H-Hartford. TFC Pelletier was fatally struck by a passing vehicle during a traffic stop on I-84 east in Southington earlier today.
TFC Pelletier’s dedication, pride, and professionalism over his nine years of service will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.“
Hartford Police Department
“The thoughts and prayers of the Hartford Police Department are with our brothers and sisters at The Connecticut State Police, as well as the family and friends of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who lost his life while in the performance of his duties. May he rest in peace.”
Newington Police Department
“Our hearts are with the family, loved ones, and Connecticut State Police as they mourn the death of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon. May he rest in peace.“
Newtown
“Today we stand in solidarity with our fellow officers in mourning the tragic line of duty death of nine-year CSP Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536.“
New Haven Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Connecticut State Police as Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed today in the line of duty. May he rest in peace.”
North Haven Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and brothers and sisters with the Connecticut State Police, as they mourn the death of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed this afternoon after being struck by a vehicle. May he rest in peace.”
Middletown Police Department
“Trooper Pelletier’s dedication, bravery, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the public exemplify the highest standards of our profession. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.“
Shelton Police Department
“The Shelton Police Department stands in solidarity with the Connecticut State Police as we mourn the tragic loss of a fellow beloved Connecticut State Trooper Pelletier killed in the line of duty. May God bless the Connecticut State Police, the Troopers and their Families! We are here with you!”
South Windsor Police Department
“The men and women of SWPD share their deepest condolences to the Connecticut State Police as they mourn the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536 of Troop H, struck and killed while on I-84 during a traffic stop in Southington. TFC Pelletier was a K9 handler and a familiar face in town. We stand with the state police as they work through this horrible loss and we hold TFC Pelletier’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.“
Plainfield Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier and the entire membership of the Connecticut State Police. Trooper First Class made the ultimate sacrifice today. May he rest in peace.”
Plainville Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Connecticut State Police and the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty while on I-84 in Southington this afternoon. The members of the PD are sending heartfelt condolences to our CSP Brothers and Sisters on the loss of their colleague and to his wife, children and family for their loss. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Southington High School
“The Southington High School Community is deeply saddened by the passing of Trooper Aaron Pelletier, Southington High School class of 2007. His commitment to serving and protecting our community and state exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time. Trooper Pelletier’s bravery and dedication will be remembered and honored by all who knew him and the entire Southington High School Community.“
Southington Police Department
“The Southington Police Department would like to extend our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters of the Connecticut State Police and the family and friends of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. May he rest in peace.“
Stamford Police Department
“The members of the Stamford Police Dept extend their deepest condolences to the Connecticut State Police Department, and to the family members and close friends of fallen Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536.”
Thomaston Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at the Connecticut State Police, and the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier 536 of Troop H who lost his life this afternoon in the line of duty.”
Vernon Police Department
“The Vernon Police Department extends our deepest sympathies to the Connecticut State Police on the line of duty death of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, at this difficult time.”
Wethersfield Police Department
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and brothers and sisters with the Connecticut State Police, as they mourn the death of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed on duty this afternoon after being struck by a vehicle. May he rest in peace.”
Willimantic Police Department
“The Willimantic Police Department mourns the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier of the Connecticut State Police, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. We stand with you in this time of sorrow.”
