Connecticut Man Blames Fatal Crash on Dog

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 over the weekend and was released on $10,000 bond.

Taplinger told police that his Staffordshire terrier mix was in the front passenger seat and 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 is due back in court on Oct. 20.