Police: Both Drivers in Road Rage Crash Fibbed About Cause

By Cassandra Day

Two men, each angered each other's reckless driving, ended up colliding on a residential street and tearing up two lawns, then were less than honest with the details of the incident, according to Middletown Police.

On Aug. 5 at 8:54 p.m., Robert N. Edwards III, 53, of Peters Lane, Rockfall, was involved in a two-car accident on Wadsworth Street after both appeared to be racing, according to the report. 

Edwards, driving a Ford F150, said he rear-ended a Jeep Wrangler after the driver, Kenneth M. Ordonez, 41, of Bokum Road, Chester, abruptly stopped, however the witness told officers after the Jeep passed Edwards, he raced after the Jeep with both drivers exhibiting "road rage," according to the report. 

Both vehicles skidded onto two lawns, damaging them, and knocking down a fence at a home on Hendley Street. Edwards later admitted the Jeep passed him in a no-passing zone and when he tailgated, the Jeep driver braked, causing the collision. 

Ordonez, who was sent to Hartford Hospital, told police a white dog ran in front of him so he braked, despite the witness account. The report says he admitted to driving at 45 miles per hour an a 25-mile-per-hour zone and Edward's truck, traveling at the speed limit, was proceeding too slowly.

Both were charged with reckless driving.

Police reports are obtained directly from the Middletown Police public information officer and inclusion in this article reflect charges filed, not convictions.