Shelton, Connecticut – A Derby man has been arrested months after a deadly crash on Route 8 that claimed the life of a teenage girl, according to state police. Investigators say the suspect turned himself in following an extensive review of physical evidence, video footage, and witness accounts connected to the January incident.
The crash, which occurred in the early morning hours, left 14-year-old Chloe Alyssa Ramsubhag of Waterbury dead and several others injured, prompting a multi-agency investigation into speed, impairment, and alleged attempts to evade responsibility.
Incident Overview
State police identified Carlos Beamonte, 39, of Derby, as the driver accused of causing the chain-reaction collision on Route 8 South in Shelton. Authorities say Beamonte surrendered to police on Friday, months after the crash and after an arrest warrant was issued.
According to investigators, Beamonte is accused of striking another vehicle from behind at a high rate of speed before leaving the scene of the crash.
Timeline of Events
The collision occurred just after 12:30 a.m. on January 12, 2025, on Route 8. Police allege that Beamonte’s vehicle slammed into the rear of another car traveling southbound.
The impact caused the struck vehicle to spin into the median and cross into the northbound lanes, where it was hit by a third vehicle. The sequence of crashes resulted in catastrophic injuries to passengers, including the teenager who later died.
Details From Police and Investigators
According to the arrest warrant, investigators recovered Beamonte’s license plate at the crash scene, a key piece of evidence that helped identify the suspect. Police allege he was driving approximately 30 miles per hour over the speed limit at the time of impact and failed to take evasive action to prevent the collision.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance video from earlier in the night, which they say showed Beamonte consuming at least eight alcoholic beverages at a bar prior to the crash. After the collision, Beamonte allegedly went to a hospital but refused to submit to a blood draw, police said.
Detectives further noted that Beamonte waited 44 minutes before reporting his involvement in the crash to authorities.
“The driver failed to take action to prevent the accident and left the scene despite the severity of the crash,” investigators wrote in the arrest warrant.
Charges Filed
Beamonte now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Manslaughter in the second degree with a motor vehicle
- Two counts of assault with a motor vehicle
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Evading responsibility resulting in death
- Two counts of evading responsibility resulting in serious physical injury
He appeared in court on Friday, where the charges were formally presented.
Additional Arrest in the Case
Police also arrested Beamonte’s sister, who investigators say played a role after the crash. Authorities allege she used her professional training as a Bethel police officer to obstruct and hinder the investigation into the fatal incident.
Details regarding her specific charges and court appearance have not yet been fully released.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Suspect: Carlos Beamonte, 39, of Derby
- Victim: Chloe Alyssa Ramsubhag, 14, of Waterbury
- Date of crash: January 12, 2025
- Location: Route 8, Shelton
- Allegations: Speeding, alcohol consumption, leaving the scene
- Time delayed before reporting: 44 minutes
Public Safety Context
State police continue to stress the dangers of impaired and high-speed driving, noting that late-night crashes often involve alcohol and reduced reaction time. Leaving the scene of a serious accident can significantly delay emergency response and worsen outcomes for victims.
Conclusion
The arrest marks a major development in a case that has deeply affected families and communities across Shelton, Derby, and Waterbury. As court proceedings move forward, authorities say accountability remains a central focus in the pursuit of justice for the teenager who lost her life.
If you have information related to traffic safety or impaired driving in your community, contact local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
