Officer Charged in Fatal Crash After High-Speed Chase

0:00A 24-year-old Stanford police officer named Balodomir, Yihoda Vitch, Molchenov, turned himself in this week on charges of second-degree assault. Reckless driving and illegally tinted windows. It all ties back to a high-speed off-duty crash last October 12, 2025, around 4.30 a.m. on Long Ridge Road in Stanford. Molchenov was driving a white Volkswagen Tour rig northbound when he slammed into the driver's side of a gray Nissan Rogue driven by a A. 39-year-old Uber driver who had just dropped off passengers. The Uber driver ended up unconscious and trapped, suffering life-threatening injuries that required firefighters to cut him free. Molchenov and another off-duty Stanford officer in the car had only minor injuries. Witnesses at the scene said they did not see headlights on the Volkswagen or hear any brakes, and the Rogue looked like it exploded on impact. The victim was at high risk for serious complications with no drugs in the system, while police found an unopened alcoholic drink in Molchenov's vehicle.

1:01Investigators pieced together key evidence like a bar receipt showing Molchenov bought two drinks shortly before the crash, failed some field sobriety, tests at the hospital with bloodshot eyes and alcohol breath, and refused blood and breath tests. Crash data revealed he was going 65 to 72 miles per hour in a 45-mile per hour zone, and analysis showed with 95. Percent confidence that sticking to the limit would have avoided the wreck. Tented windows may have played a role too. Stay police took over after concerns about the initial response, including texts between officers like one saying don't say anything. The Uber driver has had two spinal surgeries, can walk and talk now, but faces a long recovery. Molchenov is out on $50,000 bond. Do in Stanford Superior Court on May 4. Stay informed with Hartford News today. AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with the story.