New Canaan Woman Accused Of Driving Drunk On Vanilla Extract: PD

NEW CANAAN, CT — A 50-year-old New Canaan woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon after she was accused by New Canaan police of driving drunk on vanilla extract.

The incident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the intersection of Grove and Pine streets on a report that a woman, later identified as Stephanie Warner-Grise of Park Street, was sitting in her vehicle in the intersection with her eyes closed.

"Upon speaking with Warner-Grise officers detected an odor of vanilla coming from her breath, her speech was slurred and she was unable to answer basic questions," wrote Lt. Jason Ferraro in a statement. "In addition several empty bottles of pure vanilla extract were located inside the vehicle."

The federal Food and Drug Administration describes pure vanilla extract as containing an alcohol content level of at least 35 percent or 13.35 ounces per gallon. Some famous brands can contain alcohol levels of more than 40 percent.

Warner-Grise failed roadside sobriety tests, according to police, and was taken into custody. However, at police headquarters she refused to submit to a blood alcohol content test.

She was held in lieu of bond of $250 and was scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Jan. 24.

Image via Shutterstock

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