Scooter operator critically injured in deer encounter

A volunteer firefighter from Connecticut was critically injured when the scooter he was operating was struck by a deer on Route 138 in Hope Valley.

Alan Smith, of Plainfield, who works with the Moosup Fire Department, was traveling with a group of scooter club members Sunday when witnesses said a deer jumped onto the bike.

The Norwich Bulletin reported that a woman on Smith’s scooter was also injured.

A second scooter was damaged, but the riders were not hurt.