Connecticut Man Faces Charges In Connection With Fatal Wreck

MERIDEN, Conn. (AP) -- An SUV driver accused of causing a wreck in Meriden that killed two children and injured three other people was charged with reckless driving and other crimes Sunday.

Israel Gonzalez, 29, of Meriden was arrested at a nearby home after running away from the scene of the crash that killed a brother and sister, ages 8 and 5, city police said.

``At this time it is believed that both alcohol and speed were factors in the accident,'' Sgt. Darrin McKay said. ``However, the investigation is ongoing.''

Authorities were pursuing a search warrant for the results of a blood-alcohol test, McKay said. Gonzalez could face more serious charges based on the results of the test, authorities said.

The accident happened shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Broad Street and Gale Avenue. Two adults and three children were in a car stopped at a traffic signal when an SUV rear-ended them, police said.

A 5-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother were killed and their parents were hospitalized. A 12-year-old child also was hospitalized in intensive care. Police believe that child is a family member, but aren't sure of the exact relationship.

The victims' names were being withheld pending notification of relatives.

Gonzalez was being treated at a hospital Sunday and bail was set $1 million. It's not clear if he has a lawyer, and there is no phone listing for him.

State court records show no pending cases or convictions for anyone named Israel Gonzalez with the same year of birth, 1984.

Besides reckless driving, Gonzalez is charged with felony evading responsibility and operating a motor vehicle without a driver's license.

Authorities also are trying to determine whether there was a passenger in the SUV with Gonzalez.

Anyone with information about the accident is urged to call Meriden police.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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