Drunk Driver Slams Into CT State Police Cruiser, Troopers Say

OLD LYME, CT — A 28-year-old Niantic man was arrested Friday night in Old Lyme after he slammed his vehicle into a parked Connecticut State Police cruiser on I-95, according to state police. No injuries were reported.

Douglas Alqueza, of Attawan Road, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failure to drive in the proper lane, in connection with the crash which occurred at just after 8 p.m. between exits 70 and 71.

The unoccupied state police cruiser was parked on the side of the highway to protect the area around a disabled vehicle at the time of the crash, according to state police. The disabled vehicle was being loaded onto a tow truck when Alqueza slammed into the rear of the cruiser.

"Alqueza admitted to consuming three beers at approximately [8 p.m.]," wrote state police in a release, adding that flares had been placed on the side of the road, which Alquez plowed over.

He was released after posting a $500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on Aug. 23.

Photo: Douglas Alqueza. Photo credit: Connecticut State Police