Community Corner
No Joy in the Ride: Southington Teen Charged After Vehicle Theft Ends in Crash
Police said Domenic Luongo took a car after on Sept. 12 and drove recklessly for a period before finally crashing on West Street and taking out two utility poles.
A Southington teenager is facing a multitude of charges stemming from the theft of a motor vehicle and subsequent crash that took out two utility poles and caused significant damage along West Street earlier this month.
Domenic Luongo, of 28 Milldale Ave. in Plantsville, turned himself into police Wednesday afternoon after learning the Southington Police Department had obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Luongo, 18, is facing a slew of charges including first-degree larceny, third-degree burglary, using a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission, second-degree criminal trover, interfering with police, evading responsibility in an accident, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to drive in proper lane. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Police said Luongo caused significant damage and a road closure along West Street on Sept. 12 after stealing a vehicle, taking it on a joy ride and eventually crashing in the area of Round Hill Road.
“Investigation revealed that earlier in the evening Luongo stole a vehicle from the area of Round Hill Road after finding the keys on the front seat of the vehicle,” Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said in a press release. “Luongo drove the vehicle around the town and while driving on West Street, he lost control of the vehicle.”
The car struck two utility poles, causing significant damage and closing the road to through traffic as the poles were replaced. Police said Luongo had fled on foot following the accident.
As the vehicle was being removed from the scene, police found evidence within the debris linking Luongo to the incident, police said. When he was initially interviewed, Luongo denied any involvement with the theft of the vehicle or the accident. Luongo later admitted to being involved in this incident.
He is due in Bristol Superior Court for arraignment on Oct. 7, police and court officials said.
Make sure to like Southington Patch on Facebook or follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
