Manchester Woman Involved in Car Crash Into Historic Vernon Farmhouse

A Manchester woman has been charged after a Monday morning at a high rate of speed, while the drive of the vehicle still remains at large. 

According to Vernon police, a 2004 Nissan Maxima was traveling northbound on West Street in Vernon at a high rate of speed - right past the police station and public safety building - when the driver lost control of the car at the next building, the Strong farmhouse, which was built in 1878. 

The car went across the opposite lane, hopped the curb, bounced off a tree, breaking it, and ran into the house, police said. Police said the squeal of the tires was so loud, it alerted ambulance staffers, who rushed outside to see what was the matter. 

When the ambulance crew - and police officers - arrived, the vehicle was abandoned, according to an accident report. A short time later, officers found Ana Garcia, 21, of 425 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, walking on West Street and she admitted to being a passenger in the car, police said. She was taken to Rockville General Hospital for minor injuries and was charged with interfering after initially lying about the driver, police said. 

Garcia also had less than 4 ounces of marijuana on her, police said. 
The driver was later identified as Johnen Velez, who turned 19 on Aug. 26, police said. He has an invalid Hartford address, supplied by the court system. 
Police said they are currently looking for Velez.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or knows his whereabouts can call officer Rick Tedford at the Vernon Police Department at 860-87209126, ext. 220.