Woman pleads guilty to intentionally running man down with car

SOUTHINGTON — A local woman has pleaded guilty to a felony charge after police said she intentionally ran down a man on Interstate 84 in Oct. 2021.

Diane Skwiot, 58, struck a plea deal this week in New Britain Superior Court – where her matter was continued until April 18 for sentencing.

She pleaded guilty during the hearing to one count of first-degree assault.

Driving a 2014 Dodge Avenger north on West Street, on the east side of the I-84 overpass, Skwiot, as she approached the north end of the bridge, crossed into the southbound lane, on the west side of the bridge, and struck the victim as he was walking on the sidewalk around 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2021, police said. Police called the act intentional and said the matter has been considered domestic violence.

The man suffered a brain injury as a result of the trauma and was taken to an Intensive Care Unit.

The victim was thrown into the road as a result of the collision. Police initially said the victim was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit at an area hospital, in critical condition, before later saying he was expected to survive, having suffered a “moderate brain injury.”

According to police, following the collision, Skwiot got out of her vehicle, stood by it briefly, and then walked away from the area. She was located near the I-84 westbound off ramp.

Skwiot was taken into custody and transported to an area hospital. She was charged after being released from the hospital.