Police charge CT teen in fatal hit-and-run crash that killed woman walking home from work

Police have charged a teenager in a hit-and-run crash in Shelton earlier this month that killed a pedestrian.

Ariela Treysler, 19, of Trumbull was arrested Thursday on one felony count of evading responsibility in connection with a crash that killed 64-year-old Stephanie Peterson on Jan. 6, according to the Shelton Police Department.

Police officers shortly after midnight responded to reports of the crash in the area of Howe Avenue and White Street, where they found Peterson lying in the road, according to police. She was taken to Bridgeport Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

According to multiple media reports, Peterson was coming home from her job at Stop & Shop in Ansonia, when she was hit by a car while walking to her house a few hundred feet away.

An investigation by Shelton police detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Team revealed that Peterson was hit by a car before the motorist took off.

According to police, investigators were able to identify Treysler as the driver involved before obtaining a warrant for her arrest.

Peterson was born in Laconia, New Hampshire and moved to Connecticut when she was 4 years old, according to an obituary. She lived in the state for the rest of her life and would have turned 65 on Tuesday, the obituary states.

Peterson attended St. Augustine School and graduated from Bassick High School in Bridgeport in 1977, according to the obituary. She had two daughters, two grandchildren and several siblings.

“Her bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her warmth, love, and generosity,” the obituary states.

Treysler posted a $50,000 bond and is expected to be arraigned in Derby Superior Court on Feb. 16.