Stratford Councilman Charged With DUI: State Police

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford councilman and retired police officer faces several charges after he was stopped by law enforcement while driving under the influence at a speed of more than 100 mph, according to state police.

William F. Perillo, 51, of the 500 block of Woodlawn Avenue, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving at a speed greater than 85 mph, disobeying an officer’s signal, and failure to drive in the proper lane, according to a report provided by Connecticut State Police.

The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. Saturday at Exit 53 on Route 15 in Stratford, the report said. A state trooper recorded a vehicle going 117 mph in a 55-mph zone, according to police. The driver, Perillo, refused to stop for a “considerable distance” before eventually slowing and coming to a halt, the report said.

Perillo appeared drunk and was taken into custody for vehicle violations, but immediately after his arrest, he complained of difficulty breathing and was brought to St. Vincent’s Medical Center, according to police. While at the hospital, Perillo failed a field sobriety test and was released on a $2,500 bond to the care of hospital staff, the report said.

Perillo is set to appear in court 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to police.

A 25-year veteran of the Stratford Police Department, Perillo, a Republican, represents the Seventh District on the Stratford Town Council, according to a 2019 Patch candidate profile.

Perillo did not immediately respond Tuesday to multiple requests for comment. Perillo has no recent criminal history, according to the online records of the state Judicial Branch, which generally date back 10 years.

Mayor Laura Hoydick issued a prepared statement Tuesday about the charges against Perillo.

"I have been made aware of the arrest of Councilman Perillo which took place over the weekend. The offenses he is charged with are grave and alarming and I am grateful no one was injured,” she said. “Driving under the influence is a serious allegation which I don't take lightly. We await the outcome of the legal process that needs to take place."

Council Chair Christopher Pia said he did not have enough details about the case to comment.

“I never prejudge anybody until they get their day in court,” he said.