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Original: A Connecticut man wanted in connection with a 2024 crash that led to a series of tragic events, including the death of a newborn, was arrested this week after being involved in a second accident, authorities said.
Eric Leblanc, 25, of Griswold, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 26, following a crash in Lisbon, Connecticut State Police reported. During the response, troopers learned he had an active warrant.
According to police, Leblanc was involved in a Feb. 25, 2024, crash on Route 12 in Killingly, where he rear-ended a vehicle driven by a woman who was 30 weeks pregnant, sending the car into a tree. Her injuries required an emergency C-section.
The woman told police she was waiting to turn onto Wauregan Road when she saw Leblanc's car speeding up behind her. Police estimate he was going between 54 and 65 mph in the 45 mph zone when his Honda hit her vehicle, the police report said. He admitted to passing at least one car in a no-passing zone before the crash, according to investigators.
The unborn child suffered serious injuries in the crash, including bleeding on the brain. However, doctors said surgery was too risky, the mother told police. She named the boy Luca.
"We feel like we were robbed, it makes no sense that (Luca) passed and I'm really okay," she told police.
The newborn died on Feb. 28, 2024, police said.
Following a yearlong investigation, Leblanc was charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree assault with extreme indifference to human life, reckless endangerment, and various motor vehicle violations, police said.
He was released on a $375,000 bond, authorities said.
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