STONINGTON, Conn. — A 21-year veteran of the Stonington Police Department is in stable condition after he was struck in his police vehicle Monday morning in Stonington, police said.
On Tuesday, Stonington Police deputy chief Todd Olson that Sergeant Mario Ritacco, is "stable and looking positive."
The incident happened on Route 184 near the North Stonington town line.
The crash happened in the section of town known to locals as “The Uplands” due to its proximity to the water. Around 11:13 a.m., authorities responded after a red Toyota convertible crashed into a police cruiser, which then struck an officer who was out of his vehicle at the time.
“We’re very concerned about our Sergeant. We want to make sure that he’s getting the best treatment and making sure that all the other officers are taken care of. It’s a concerning thing throughout our entire department,” said Stonington Police Deputy Chief Todd Olson.
A 21-year veteran officer was flown to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Olson says he was alert and conscious at the time. His condition was unknown as of Monday afternoon.
“Many people contact us with support and prayers and we certainly appreciate that,” Olson said.
The officer was off duty working detail for a line crew that was placing new cables on poles when the Toyota hit into the cruiser, police say.
State police worked to reconstruct the crash, which closed both sides of Route 184 near the North Stonington town line for more than four hours Monday afternoon.
The driver of the convertible was also hurt and driven to New London’s Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. That person’s condition was unknown Monday afternoon.
Brian Worth was at work inside a Route 184 trucking company when the road became crowded with first responders late Monday morning.
“Helicopters overhead, so I knew it was Lifestar. I knew it was a very serious thing,” he said. “People drive too fast along this stretch, and you know the speed limit is 45 and people drive much faster than that.”
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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