New Details Released In Crash That Killed Bridgeport Officer: Affidavit

DANBURY, CT — The Stamford woman charged in the crash that killed a Bridgeport police officer and his passenger had a blood alcohol concentration nearly twice Connecticut's legal limit, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

Melissa E. Ramirez, 27, was arrested Friday on two counts of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, traveling unreasonably fast and failure to drive in the proper lane in connection with the July 13 crash on Sugar Hollow Road.

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The crash killed Bridgeport Police Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, of Danbury, and his passenger, Brittany Islami, 34, of New Milford, who were on a motorcycle. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined both died from blunt-force trauma, according to the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, investigators determined Ramirez's blood alcohol concentration measured 0.14%, nearly twice Connecticut's legal limit of 0.08%. Police also said toxicology results showed she tested positive for cannabis.

Investigators wrote that Ramirez initially told officers she had consumed one 12-ounce Corona beer around 11 p.m. before the crash and denied using marijuana. According to the affidavit, she later told officers she had used marijuana two days earlier.

Police also reported observing watery, bloodshot eyes and the odor of an alcoholic beverage while speaking with Ramirez at the hospital.

According to the affidavit, data recovered from the Jeep Compass' event data recorder showed the vehicle was traveling 63 mph five seconds before impact and 56 mph at the time of the crash on a stretch of Sugar Hollow Road posted at 45 mph.

Investigators said evidence at the scene, including gouge marks and tire marks, indicated the collision occurred in the motorcycle's lane after Ramirez crossed the double-yellow center line. A witness also told police he believed a northbound vehicle crossed into the southbound lane and struck the motorcycle head-on, according to the affidavit.

Police wrote they also found an empty Corona beer bottle, an empty Corona can and a THC vape cartridge inside the Jeep. The affidavit states beer appeared to have spilled throughout the rear passenger area during the crash.

Ramirez was arrested July 24. Court records show she has pleaded not guilty to all five charges. She is being held on a $300,000 bond in the criminal case and remains in custody. Her next court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 31 in Danbury Superior Court.