Fundraiser launched for family of CT police officer killed on I-84

The Connecticut State Police has confirmed that there is only one approved fundraiser for the family of the late Trooper First Class TFC Aaron Pelletier.

Pelletier, a 34-year-old husband and father of two young boys, was killed Thursday afternoon during a routine traffic stop on I-84 in Southington. A suspected drunk driver partially veered onto the shoulder of the highway and struck Pelletier, who had gotten out of his patrol car to talk to a motorist he had stopped for a possible seat belt violation, police said.

Pelletier was hit at 2:36 p.m., and officials in Southington – where he lived – are asking for a moment of silence in his memory on Monday at 2:36 p.m.

Pelletier’s death has affected thousands of people, including grieving officials who are pleading with the state’s motorists to slow down, obey rules about giving way to emergency vehicles and respect other motorists on the road.

State police said there was only one “approved fundraiser for the family of our fallen brother, TFC Aaron Pelletier.”

“Out of an abundance of caution for those seeking to capitalize in a time of tragedy, this GoFundMe page is currently the only CSP-authorized source of donations for the Pelletier family,” state police said.

“This page was created by the brothers and sisters of TFC Pelletier at Troop H and approved by the Pelletier family. All proceeds go directly to the TFC Pelletier family.”

The fundraiser underscores the great sadness over the loss of “a great father, husband and friend whose life ended tragically on May 30, 2024.”

“During a traffic stop, Aaron was struck and killed by a passing vehicle. Words cannot adequately express the grief and sadness caused by Aaron’s sudden death. As a Connecticut State Police officer, Aaron was a friend and brother who will be remembered for his smile, quick wit and willingness to train and teach new officers,” it said. “More importantly, Aaron’s devotion and love for his wife and two sons knew no bounds.”

“Aaron will never be forgotten and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him,” the post said. “Rest in peace brother, we will take care of this.”

Pelletier had been with the State Police since 2015 and built a distinguished career. He trained as one of the agency’s dog handlers and was selected in 2018 to lead a drive with WTNH to promote automatic license plate readers in patrol cars.

Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 44, of 584 Zion St., Hartford, was initially held on $5 million bail, state police said. That amount was reduced to $1.5 million when he appeared in court Friday. He is due back in court on June 6.

State police records show Oyola-Sanchez was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, failure to drive in the proper lane, evading responsibility in a death, failure to renew registration, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.