Driver Accused of Horrific Hit-and-Run on Bicyclist in Plainville, Now Facing Justice

Plainville, CT — A shocking hit-and-run incident that left a bicyclist critically injured on a Plainville roadway has culminated in the arrest of a Meriden woman, Melissa Wirtz. Authorities announced Tuesday that Wirtz, 35, now faces a litany of charges, including evading responsibility resulting in serious injury, following an extensive investigation.

The horrifying collision occurred on April 13, 2024, at approximately 10:24 p.m.

on Route 10 (East Street) near the intersection of Camp Street. Emergency services rushed to the scene where they discovered a 39-year-old bicyclist suffering from severe, life-altering injuries. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, where doctors diagnosed a fractured pelvis, multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a lacerated spleen, extensive road rash, and a concussion.

Though the injuries were grave, the bicyclist is thankfully expected to survive.

Plainville police quickly launched an intensive investigation into the callous act. Officers meticulously scoured the crash site, where they recovered crucial evidence: pieces of a vehicle's front grille and a headlight bezel.

These fragments proved instrumental, leading investigators to identify the suspect vehicle as a dark-colored Honda Civic, missing a front grille and with damage to its headlight area. Surveillance footage from the vicinity further corroborated these findings, capturing images of a damaged Honda Civic believed to be involved.

The breakthrough in the case came when police, through careful analysis of the recovered parts and additional investigative techniques, were able to link the incident to Melissa Wirtz.

Upon initial contact, Wirtz reportedly denied any involvement in the hit-and-run. However, confronted with compelling evidence, including the distinct damage to her vehicle, she eventually confessed to being the driver who struck the bicyclist on April 13 and then fled the scene.

Wirtz was taken into custody and charged with a comprehensive list of offenses reflecting the severity of her actions and the subsequent attempt to avoid accountability.

The charges include evading responsibility resulting in serious injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, misuse of plates, operating without insurance, and interfering with an officer. She was scheduled for arraignment in New Britain Superior Court on May 14, where she will face justice for the trauma inflicted upon the bicyclist and the community.

This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of hit-and-run incidents, no matter how long it takes to piece together the truth.

The Plainville community awaits the outcome of this case, hoping for full accountability for the devastating actions that transpired on Route 10.