Owner of car that fled fatal Stratford crash on Merritt Parkway cooperating with police, lawyer says

STRATFORD — The owner of a car that fled a fiery three-vehicle crash on the Merritt Parkway that left three people dead early Sunday morning is cooperating with investigators, according to their lawyer. Attorney Darnell Crosland said in a telephone interview Monday that authorities are questioning his clients because their 2014 Lexus ES350 was involved in the fatal wreck on Route 15 South near Exit 36. “At this point the police are reconstructing and trying to make a conclusion, so we will be meeting with the police department today at the troop barracks again, because we’re totally cooperating and we feel bad that there was a loss of life,” Crosland said. “All we can do is cooperate and hopefully the police will make some kind of determination,” he added. According to a preliminary report released by Connecticut State Police, the crash took place around 4:50 a.m. when the Lexus collided into the back of a 2008 Honda Civic while traveling in the right lane. Officials said the collision forced the Honda to strike the rear of a 2012 Chrysler 200, sparking a fire. The driver and the two passengers of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Chrysler was unhurt. Two of the people who died were identified as Maria E. Vasquez Chacon, 29, of Trenton, N.J. and Joselyn Vasquez-Chacon, 25. Police said they have not been able to identify the third person. The police report shows the drivers of the Chrysler and the Honda are related. Officials said the driver of the Lexus fled the scene and has not been identified, but listed the registered owner as a Bridgeport resident. No one answered the door Monday morning when a CT Insider reporter visited the home, but a note was left seeking comment. Hours later, Crosland responded by phone and said he was representing the car owners.