Connecticut Man Charged with DUI and Evading Responsibility in Multi-Vehicle Crash

On Wednesday, July 4, a Connecticut man was charged with driving under the influence and other counts after allegedly fleeing a multi-vehicle crash in Cromwell, according to the Connecticut State Police statement on Thursday.

Suspect's Statements and Impairment

The accused, Cesar Estrada, 36, from Plainville, reportedly claimed to have no recollection of being involved in the accident. After allegedly striking two vehicles on I-91 north, Estrada was located by troopers, showing visible signs of impairment. Standardized Field Sobriety Testing indicated that Estrada did not perform to standard, as reported by state police.

Sequence of Events

The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. when Estrada was driving a Nissan Maxima. He struck a Freightliner while attempting to merge from the entrance ramp at Exit 21 into the right lane of I-91 north. Subsequently, he lost control of the Nissan and crashed into a Toyota Tundra in the center lane. Following the collision, Estrada allegedly evaded the scene and continued driving north on I-91.

Vehicle Found and Owner's Statement

Troopers later discovered the unoccupied Nissan on the right shoulder of I-91 near Exit 23. The registered owner informed the state police that the vehicle was last operated by Estrada. She also revealed that she was with him at a clinic in Middletown.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

After locating Estrada at the clinic, where he confirmed being the sole occupant of the Nissan earlier that morning, he was observed to be impaired. Upon failing to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Testing to standard, Estrada was arrested and later processed at CSP Troop H in Hartford. He is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court at 9 a.m. on July 22.

Charges

Estrada faces charges including illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs as a second offense, failure to maintain the proper lane on a limited access highway, and two counts of evading responsibility.