Connecticut Man Blames Fatal Crash on Dog

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A 22-year-old Connecticut man accused of causing a car crash in April that took the life of a 70-year-old man is blaming the accident on his dog.

Police say Brian Taplinger turned himself in last month and was later released on $10,000 bond.

Taplinger told police that his Staffordshire terrier mix was riding in the front passenger seat of his car. Taplinger claims the animal jumped into his lap, causing him to lose control and collide head-on with a car driven by Geoffrey Reynolds of Westport on April 29.

Reynolds suffered severe leg injuries and died on May 9.

Taplinger’s dog was also hurt and had to be euthanized.

Taplinger is charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and was due back in court in late October.