Wrong-Way Crash, a State Senator and Unanswered Questions

Democratic State Sen. Andrew Maynard was driving in the wrong direction on Route 32 in Waterford on Jan. 14 when his car crashed into one driven by Uncasville resident Laury Benjamin-Scelfo, injuring both drivers.

That much is known. But many of the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown, and media outlets are calling on the five-term legislator to come clean about the accident, his health and a host of other questions.

Maynard’s car was totalled and ended up down an embankment and he was treated at area hospital. Benjamin-Scelfo’s vehicle also was totalled and she suffered shoulder and neck pain. According to the New London Day, Maynard doesn’t remember the crash, and Waterford police say there is no evidence that alcohol played a role.

At first, the crash was reported as a one-vehicle accident involving Maynard, but it was soon changed to a two-car accident.

Maynard has yet to be interviewed by police about the crash, according to the Hartford Courant; his attorney, Robert Reardon, has spoken with police and told them his client currently is unable to be interviewed.

In the summer of 2014, Maynard fell at his Stonington home and reportedly suffered a brain injury for which he required physical therapy to help with his recovery.

According to the Day, whether that previous injury could have played a role in the crash is unknown, in part because Maynard has not sat down for an interview with the press in over a year. In fact, his overall health status, before and after the crash, is unknown, though a Senate Democratic spokesperson maintains he was fine prior to the crash and will be OK.

The Day, however, raises the question that Democrats may be shielding Maynard to keep his vote in the state Senate and to help him reach the 10-year service requirement to qualify for state-paid health insurance.

The Courant also reported that questions remain over the crash and Maynard’s health.

“Sen. Maynard could speak with the press and reassure the public that he is involved in what’s going on at the Capitol,’’ Senate Republican leader Len Fasano told the Courant, while wishing Maynard a speedy recovery.

Photo: State Sen. Andrew Maynard