Driver in Stamford motorcycle crash facing charges, possible civil action

STAMFORD, Conn. — Stamford police arrested a 58-year-old Stamford man Friday in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash earlier this year. Hector Rolando Lemus-Portillo turned himself in at Stamford police headquarters on a warrant for his arrest on charges including vehicular manslaughter and failure to yield while turning left.

The charges stem from a crash on May 17, 2024, when a 17-year-old motorcyclist was killed after colliding with Lemus-Portillo’s vehicle at the intersection of Lockwood Avenue and William Street. According to the Stamford Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Team, Lemus-Portillo was driving a 2011 Toyota Corolla southbound on Lockwood Avenue and attempted to make a left turn at the intersection, crossing into the path of a northbound 2020 Kawasaki motorcycle .

The motorcyclist, a Stamford resident whose identity has not been released due to his age, attempted to stop but was unable to avoid the collision. He was taken to Stamford Hospital, where medical staff attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as multiple blunt force trauma resulting from the crash.

Sgt. Ryan McAllister and Officer Lindsey Yanicky led the investigation, which concluded that Lemus-Portillo’s failure to yield was the primary cause of the crash. Police applied for an arrest warrant, which was granted by Stamford Superior Court (GA-1). Lemus-Portillo, who remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, was released on $60,000 bond after he turned himself in. His court appearance is scheduled for November 8, 2024.

A negligent homicide charge has serious legal implications, including potential criminal penalties such as fines or jail time if convicted. Beyond criminal liability, Lemus-Portillo may also face civil lawsuits filed by the victim’s family for wrongful death or damages, which could result in significant financial claims. In addition, legal defense fees can be substantial, as defending against criminal charges and potential civil actions often involves the employment of lawyers who specialize in both criminal defense and civil litigation, further increasing the financial burden on the accused.

Find a personal injury attorney in the Stamford area

Stamford, Connecticut is home to several highly regarded personal injury attorneys known for their expertise in representing clients facing complex legal challenges. He is among them Michael J. Colavecchio from Ventura Law, which has extensive experience handling serious motor vehicle accidents and a reputation for dedicated client support. Richard P. Hastingspartner at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP, is another top name in the area, widely recognized for his work on personal injury claims and the author of several legal books on personal injury law. Eric D. Reinken The Reinken Law Firm is well-known for its client-centered approach and track record of success in obtaining settlements in car accidents and other personal injury cases. Stephen Reck of the Law Firm of Stephen M. Reck and Scott D. Camassar, LLC, is respected for aggressively representing clients in cases involving medical malpractice and wrongful death. finally, Andrei P. Garzaco-founder of Connecticut Trial Firm, is known for his results-driven representation and his dedication to securing justice for those injured by negligence. These attorneys have built a strong reputation in Stamford for their commitment to fighting for their clients’ rights and obtaining favorable results.