Investigators are expected by the end of September to finish their report on the July 23 car accident that claimed the life of a beloved, longtime Department of Public Works employee, New Canaan’s police chief said.
Asked about the status of the New Canaan Police Department investigation into the accident that claimed the life of Norwalk resident Ben Olmstead, Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said: “My expectation is it will be completed by the end of the month, absent anything I’m not aware of delaying it.”
The detailed reconstruction involves using laser measuring devices to pinpoint the locations of both the vehicle and Olmstead to create a map of the accident scene, as well as interviewing witnesses and conducting a 24-hour “back-profile” of both the victim and driver to determine as much as possible about their states at the time of the accident, the chief said. Investigators also test the car itself for mechanical issues, he said.
At approximately 11:20 a.m. on July 23, a Wednesday, Olmstead was marking the roadway with spray paint at the intersection of Routes 106 and 123, when a motorist traveling northbound on 123 turned left onto East Avenue and struck him. Olmstead, 71, succumbed the following day at Norwalk Hospital.
The motorist, a 60-year-old Norwalk man, immediately stopped and remained on scene, police have said.
Asked what criteria police apply in determining whether or what charges may be brought, Krolikowski said: “Once we complete our investigation and gather everything else, then we consult with the state’s attorney and give her an overview of everything—once we have that discussion, a decision is made on whether there is an basis to charge.”
“Preliminarily, this appears to be a very tragic accident,” he added.
A native and lifelong resident of Norwalk who worked as a surveyor in the New Canaan Department of Public Works for 37 years, Olmstead was remembered by his family as a deeply considerate, loving and generous man. Dozens of municipal workers from New Canaan attended his funeral.
Following the accident, police have reinforced with officers how important it is to follow all safety precautions when working extra-duty jobs, the chief said.