A man who had reportedly just purchased two bottles of whiskey was arrested following an accident on the early afternoon of May 5, according to local sources. Connecticut authorities responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a driver they identified as being heavily intoxicated. The man is now facing a DUI charge and is being held on $10,000 bond. His arraignment is forthcoming.
According to the report filed by police on the scene, at around 2:50 p.m., officers were called to the scene of a single-car accident, wherein the car had crashed into a stone wall in North Stamford. The driver of the vehicle, a 36-year-old man, was believed to be intoxicated when police arrived. A search of his vehicle revealed two opened and partly-consumed bottles of whiskey, along with a receipt from a local liquor store for the purchase around an hour before the crash.
Police say they also found a loaded 9mm pistol in the glove compartment, though the man was licensed to carry the weapon. The alcohol and pistol were seized by police, along with the firearm license and the receipt for the alcohol. Police say he attempted to refuse medical attention and was taken to a local hospital, where he was unable to perform three sobriety tests. He also refused to take a breath test or be fingerprinted.
In drunk driving cases of this type, it is vital that Connecticut police accurately record the specifics of the case for posterity. There are a number of factors that can influence a DUI charge, including the duration of the investigation and the legality of the search of his vehicle. His criminal defense attorney will take all of this into consideration when planning a defense against the charges.
