Checkpoint Helps Provide Some Info, But More Needed in Hit and Run

The Southington Police Department conducted an informational checkpoint along Queen Street Wednesday as part of an effort to collect further information regarding a hit and run accident that left three woman injured Tuesday night, but officers still need help in locating an SUV said to have been involved.

From 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, officers stood at the checkpoint, questioning motorists in an effort to gain more information regarding the incident, Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said Thursday.

"The Southington Police Department conducted an informational checkpoint on Queen Street in the area of the accident scene," Dobratz said. "This was an attempt to gather information from potential witnesses to the hit and run accident that occurred (the previous night)."

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"During the course of the checkpoint Officers spoke with several potential witnesses and are following up with the information they received during the checkpoint," he said.

Three woman, all 23-years-old, suffered injuries around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday after a white or light colored SUV struck them in the norhtbound lanes of Route 10 in the area of the Outback Steakhouse on Queen Street, police said.

Police said Yan Qiao "Joanne" Chen, Huai "Emily" Liu and Yang "Rita" Hong, all of Southington, suffered injuries in the hit and run accident.

According to initial police reports, the three women were walking toward the side of the road but in the street heading southbound in the northbound lanes. The unknown SUV proceeded to strike the women before driving off in a northern direction, the police report said.

On Thursday, police said Hong has been released after receiving treatment at St. Mary's Hospital. Liu and Chen each remain at Hartford Hospital with Liu listed in stable condition and Chen remaining in critical condition. The exact extent of their injuries has not been released.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Officer Timothy Wilk at (860) 378-1600, ext. 2352, or via email at twilk@southingtonpolice.org. Southington Police Dispatch can also be contacted at (860) 621-0101.

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