DUI/Wrong-Way Driver Faces Drug, Gun Charges In Hartford: Police

HARTFORD, CT — A young Torrington man accused of driving drunk the wrong way on a Hartford highway New Year's Eve also faces multiple drug and weapons charges.

Connecticut State Police Tuesday morning released the details surrounding charges against Alex Gabriel Ortiz, 18, of Eastlawn Drive, Torrington, who was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs; driving the wrong way on a divided highway; possession of a controlled substance; carrying a pistol without a permit; illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle; illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine; fourth-degree larceny; stealing a firearm; and criminal possession of a firearm.

Ortiz has been released on $75,000 bond and will appear in Hartford Superior Court Jan. 22.

According to police, the incident happened at about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, at Exit 50 of Interstate 84 West in Hartford.

Police said they were called to the offramp in Hartford for a report of a wrong-way driver.

When troopers arrived, they noticed a gray 2012 Honda Accord was stopped on the ramp, facing the wrong direction.

That's when police identified the driver as Ortiz, stating that officers noticed a firearm on the rear seat of the vehicle.

In addition, police administered a field sobriety test, which Ortiz failed, police said.

Police said the gun was reported stolen out of Middlebury and further search of the vehicle resulted in illegal narcotics being found.

For the Connecticut State Police news page, click on this link.