26°
John Thomas Wadlinger, a resident of Croydon, is also charged with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, and related counts, prosecutors say.
Authorities believe Wadlinger was under the influence of methamphetamine and driving twice the speed limit when he crashed into a Nissan Sentra at Ford Road and Veterans Highway.
Two passengers from Connecticut residents in the Nissan, 37-year-old Richard and 33-year-old Rebecca Whiddon, of the town of Brooklyn in Windham County, were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The driver and another passenger were also hurt.
Police said Wadlinger fled the scene before they arrived, stealing a dump truck before crashing it and fleeing on foot again.
He was arrested later that day and has since remained in custody on a state parole violation, the DA's Office said.
Wadlinger's arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield and receive free news updates.
