Man arraigned for fatal hit-and-run

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- Michael McHaney is no stranger to a courtroom, no stranger to run ins with law enforcement. The fact he stands here, caught and accused for a hit-and-run accident, killing 17-year-old Joshua Rodriguez, is of small comfort to Joshua's friends.

"I don't understand why he is still driving, I don't understand it," a friend of Rodriguez said. "I work with this guy, who hit my boy, who killed my boy, you feel me."

Rodriguez and Richard Resto were hit Monday night at the Waterbury intersection of Route 73 and East Aurora Street. McHaney told a man living at this house that he was "high, not too high" and borrowed a towel to cover up the damage to his Chevy Cavalier.

Police were tipped off by another person living in McHaney's home.

"It's just sad that a good person has to be taken away because of somebody's, you know...It's just life, you just have to be strong," another friend of Rodriguez said.

News 8 learned McHaney has a long list of arrests, from drug possession to DWI. He told police he "freaked out" and "panicked" which is why he didn't stop, later watching the news to see if anyone had died. Someone did, and now Michael is back in a courtroom, facing his most serious charge yet.

"It's just sad a person that I knew for awhile, and that you just see passed away," a friend of Rodriguez said. " I woke up this morning and I still can't believe his life was taken away by somebody. It's just said, very sad."

Resto is recovering at St. Mary's hospital and is listed in stable condition.