NEWS RELEASE
Date: September 17, 2020
Contact: Captain Ronald Smith
Phone: (203) 230-4029
PIO#: 20-121
On September 17, 2020 at approximately 1:15a.m. Hamden Police responded to the area of Dixwell Avenue and Collins Street on the report of a motor vehicle accident.
Investigation revealed that Ryan Bivens was traveling southbound on Dixwell Avenue. Bivens’ vehicle crossed the “double-yellow center lines, both northbound lanes and entered the shoulder, along the east curb” of Dixwell Avenue. The front of his vehicle struck the rear of a bicycle, traveling southbound in the shoulder of the roadway. The bicyclist, David Toles, 54, of New Haven was ejected and sustained fatal injuries. Hamden Fire Rescue paramedics pronounced Toles deceased at the scene.
After striking Toles, Bivens’ vehicle continued southbound, striking and “snapping” 2 utility poles. He vehicle eventually landed on its roof.
Hamden Police arrested Ryan Bivens, 21, 58 Westview Street, Hamden. He was charged with Negligent Homicide with a Motor Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Drive in Proper Lane. Bivens, who was detained on a $50,000.00 bond, was arraigned at Meriden Superior Court this morning.
The Hamden Police Department Traffic Division, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad processed the scene. Officer Kevin Hall is conducting the investigation.
