State Trooper Aaron Pelletier killed in the line of duty on I-84 – NBC Connecticut

According to state police, a veteran Connecticut State Trooper was killed in the line of duty Thursday afternoon when he was struck by a driver on Interstate 84 who then left the scene of the accident.

State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier has been with the Connecticut State Police for nine years and is a member of the 125th Training Troop, state police said.

He completed the K9 Academy as part of the 223^rd Patrol dog course in December 2021. His dog’s name was Roso.

“TFC Pelletier served the citizens of the State of Connecticut with unwavering dedication, pride and professionalism and his sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Connecticut State Police said in a statement.

According to state police, at about 2:36 p.m., Pelletier was outside his patrol car during a traffic stop on I-84 East near Exit 31 in Southington when the driver of a passing vehicle struck him and fled.

Pelletier died at the scene, state police said.

State police said they found the driver who hit him and took him into custody.

Governor Ned Lamont has ordered the U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff in honor of Trooper Pelletier and to remain at half-staff until sunset on the as-yet-undetermined day of burial.

“I am devastated to learn of the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today in the line of duty to the people of Connecticut,” Lamont said in a statement.

“This is a tragic reminder of the dangers police face every day when they leave their homes and go to work. Trooper Pelletier served Connecticut with honor, integrity and dedication, and he embodies the definition of public service. His courage and bravery will never be forgotten. On behalf of the State of Connecticut, my condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in the Connecticut State Police. I ask the people of Connecticut to keep Trooper Pelletier in their prayers,” Lamont added.