Human remains were recovered after firefighters extinguished a small fire in Meriden early Thursday, and police have closed several nearby streets as a criminal investigation remains in its early stages, officials said.
Deputy Police Chief Jerry Scully said first responders arrived about 4:02 a.m. to a report of an unknown fire in the area of North Colony Road and Hicks Avenue. Fire crews found and put out a small blaze on Hicks Avenue; after the flames were extinguished they discovered human remains, Scully said.
"At this time, we're just treating it as an untimely death," Scully said.
Police described the probe as early and said they are working with multiple agencies, including the Meriden Fire Marshal, the New Haven State's Attorney's Office, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Connecticut State Police K-9 teams.
What residents should know
Authorities have closed roads around the scene and asked drivers to avoid the area. Scully urged anyone who lives nearby or who may have observed anything unusual to contact the Meriden Police Department.
- Time of response: About 4:02 a.m.
- Location: Area of North Colony Road and Hicks Avenue, Meriden
- Current status: Active investigation; road closures in place
| Closed road | Closure extents |
|---|---|
| Hicks Avenue | Between Gracey Avenue and North Colony Road |
| North Colony Road | Between about 800 North Colony Road and Nancy Lane |
Scully told reporters that the fire did not involve a structure. Because investigators are treating the discovery as an untimely death, they are working to preserve and collect evidence at the scene.
Police cautioned that the closures are expected to remain in place for an extended period as investigators process the area. No additional details about the identity of the deceased, cause of death or potential suspects were released.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Meriden Police Department. Officials did not provide a specific tip line or phone number in their initial statements.
News Block will update this story as officials release more information.
