Crime & Safety
New Details Released After Drunk Driver Plunges Into Milford Pond: Report
A drunk driver's SUV ended up in a pond behind a popular downtown bar, police said. Two officers patrolling the area spring into action.
MILFORD, CT — Two police officers who made a water rescue this past weekend spoke recently about their experience.
The officers were assisting with downtown bar patrol on Sunday at 1:06 a.m. when they spotted a car drive into a pond behind Stonebridge Restaurant, a Daniel Street bar and restaurant.
The officers "immediately entered the pond without hesitation" and spotted the driver, a Bridgeport man, asleep behind the wheel, according to a police statement.
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Officer Aaron Norowski tried to break the driver's window as the SUV was submerged in 8 to 10 feet of water, according to WTNH News-8.
Officer Michael Ross got on the car's top and saw a crack in the windshield. He kicked at it to open the crack, but it wasn't enough for the man to climb out.
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The driver eventually woke up, opened the car's sunroof, and crawled out with officers' help, WTNH News-8 reported.
They were able to remove him from the car, bringing him safely to shore.
Ross said the rescue was just part of the job and that "you've got to be prepared for moments like this," according to WTNH News-8.
Firefighters responded and evaluated the driver for any injuries. An investigation found that the man had hit another car in the area of Shipyard Lane before driving into the pond, police said.
The man was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence and evading responsibility. He was released on $500 bond and scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on July 31.
Read the full story at WTNH News-8.
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