MONROE, CT — A 61-year-old Newtown man was charged with DUI following a motor vehicle accident in the 600-block of Main Street Saturday night.
Police said both drivers pulled into the Bart Center parking lot after the accident, just before 8:30 p.m. When officers arrived, the Newtown man pulled his blue, 2020 Kia Forte in front of the other driver’s 1994 BMW 325ic.
Police said they believe he was attempting to flee the scene.
While the driver reached for his paperwork, a small liquor bottle was in plain view inside the glovebox, according to police. When an officer asked him to exit his vehicle, police said he did not comply, so the officer opened the driver’s side door and saw a 50 milliliter bottle of rum at his feet.
As the officer got the man out of the Kia, police said there was an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver and his performance on roadside sobriety tests showed he was under the influence.
When the officer asked if he was involved in an accident, the driver said no, according to the report.
He was charged with DUI, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, driving without insurance and reckless driving. He was released on $500 bond for an April 11 court date.
The driver of the BMW, a Monroe man, was not injured, police said.
The victim was heading north on Main Street when the Newtown driver, whose Kia Forte was in the left turn only lane, continued straight, sideswiping the BMW, police said.
The two men pulled into the Bart Center parking lot, where they argued. During the argument, police said the Newtown man accelerated his vehicle and struck the victim’s back bumper.
Child Abuse Awareness Event
The Monroe Police Department and The Center for Family Justice are hosting an event on child abuse awareness at Jockey Hollow Middle School this Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m.
The event is designed for parents, caregivers and community stakeholders and discussions will cover the risks, warning signs, misconceptions and prevention of child abuse, child sexual abuse and trafficking.
