Lawsuit Filed In State PD Sergeant Crash

OXFORD, CT — The state along with others are being sued after a state police sergeant was involved in a crash that injured a mother and daughter.

The lawsuit filed by mother Lisa and 19-year-old Madison Conroy alleges that Sgt. John McDonald became intoxicated at Black Hog Brewery prior to the crash. The lawsuit names the State of Connecticut, Sgt. John McDonald and Black Hog Brewery permittees Jason and Joseph Sobocinski. It seeks more than $15,000 in monetary damages.

Lisa Conroy was driving her vehicle on Route 188 near Airport Road Sept. 25 when McDonald failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the vehicle, according to the lawsuit.

The Conroys sustained several injuries and had to expend a large sum of money for hospital and medical care.

State police have opened an internal investigation after reports surfaced that several state police personnel took state-owned vehicles to the brewery for a retirement party, according to the Republican-American. The state has a zero tolerance policy for operating state-owned vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

McDonald was taken from the scene in an ambulance and wasn’t given a field sobriety test. He refused further medical care and wasn’t given a blood or urine test, according to the Republican-American.

Lawyers for Black Hog Brewery couldn't immediately be reached for contact.