Crime & Safety
Wrong-Way Driver Causes Route 8 Crash, Faces DUI Charges: State Police
Police said a driver traveling south in the northbound lanes collided with another vehicle near Exit 51.
TORRINGTON, CT — A wrong-way driver was arrested on DUI and reckless driving charges Sunday after police said he drove southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 8 and collided with another vehicle.
The 27-year-old Torrington man was traveling the wrong way near Exit 51 when he collided with a northbound Kia Optima, according to Connecticut State Police.
The Kia's driver attempted to avoid the oncoming Chevrolet Trax by swerving into the left lane, but the two vehicles collided in a sideswipe crash, police said.
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Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 3:50 p.m. Oct. 11.
Police said the wrong-way driver was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and failed a standardized field sobriety test.
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He was arrested on charges of operating under the influence, reckless driving and driving on the wrong side of a divided highway.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and occupants reported minor injuries, according to police.
The driver was released on a $5,000 nonsurety bond and is scheduled to appear in Torrington Superior Court on Oct. 23.
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