by Hartford, CT – A Connecticut man is facing multiple charges after a Christmas Day hit-and-run crash killed a 14-year-old boy and seriously injured three others, authorities said.
Deadly Christmas Night Collision
Tyron Davis, 26, has been charged with three counts of first-degree assault, second-degree manslaughter, evading responsibility involving a death, reckless driving, and failure to drive in the proper lane, according to the Hartford Police Department. The incident occurred on Dec. 25, 2025, near Cornwall Street and Hebron Street in Hartford, taking the life of Malachi James, 14.
Around 9:18 p.m., James and his family were traveling south in a Toyota Camry when a Tesla Cybertruck crossed into their lane, resulting in a head-on collision. Firefighters had to extract the family from the Camry before they were rushed to a hospital, where James was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Officers got there quickly, located a horrific-looking accident,” a police spokesperson said. “Debris field, two vehicles that were absolutely demolished.” The Tesla driver fled the scene on foot, authorities added.
How Authorities Traced the Suspect
Investigators noticed a temporary Georgia license plate on the Cybertruck and traced it to a private rental car business. The vehicle had been rented by an acquaintance of Davis, who told police that Davis had helped facilitate the rental.
The man explained that Davis initially rented a BMW, but only a Cybertruck was available at the time. Due to unfamiliarity with the Tesla, the two drivers switched vehicles in a Simsbury parking lot, with Davis taking the wheel of the Cybertruck and the other man driving the BMW. The pair planned to stop for pizza in Hartford before switching back.
The man reportedly followed Davis and witnessed the crash. After seeing minor injuries on Davis and others assisting the Camry occupants, he returned to the Cybertruck and found Davis had fled the scene.
Key Evidence From the Crash
Police obtained Davis’s phone number, collected DNA from the Cybertruck, and seized the cellphone and flash drive from the vehicle. Footage from the flash drive reportedly shows Davis veering into the southbound lane, directly toward the Camry. Investigators say he did not correct his lane before the collision.
Facial recognition software confirmed Davis as the suspect with a 99.9% match to a previous arrest photo.
Arrest and Legal Status
A warrant was issued for Davis, who eventually turned himself in. He is currently detained at the Hartford Correctional Center on $1.25 million bond.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash and urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
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