Ellington Rollover Sends Passenger To Hospital; Driver Arrested

ELLINGTON, CT — A Norwich man faces DUI and assault charges after state police said he crashed a car into an Ellington backyard early Saturday, shortly after a caller reported a man attacking a woman on nearby Middle Road.

Jeremiah Raymond Chopus, 44, was arrested Oct. 17 and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to maintain a proper lane, third-degree assault and disorderly conduct, according to state police reports.

Troopers were dispatched around 12:23 a.m. to Middle Road, where a caller reported that a man was attacking a woman in the roadway. Troop C then received a second call reporting a crash on Pinney Street, about a quarter-mile north of Middle Road, police said.

According to the crash report, Chopus was driving a 2012 Audi A4 north on Pinney Street when he lost control, went off the right side of the road and traveled about 150 feet down an embankment.

The car entered a backyard and “rolled over multiple times,” police wrote.

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A front-seat passenger suffered what police described as minor injuries to her face and hands. Ellington Ambulance took her to Hartford Hospital, according to the crash report.

Chopus reported no injuries and declined medical attention. Both occupants were wearing seat belts, and the car’s airbags deployed, police said. The Audi sustained extensive damage and was towed.

During the investigation, troopers determined that Chopus had been involved in a domestic violence incident before the crash, according to the report. Police did not provide further details about the alleged assault.

Troopers suspected Chopus was under the influence and arrested him after administering field sobriety tests, according to the arrest summary.

Police listed his bond at $25,000 and scheduled him to appear in Rockville Superior Court on Monday, Oct. 19.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.