The Darien Police Department's DUI checkpoint Friday led to one arrest. Police saw Douglas Atha approach the checkpoint near the intersection of Post Road and Ledge Road, then quickly turn onto Ledge, into emerging traffic. Police said he almost ran over a couple of reflective cones. When they stopped him, he had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. He failed his field sobriety test, and was driving with a suspended license from a previous DUI arrest in Darien in 2008 and one in Maine. Atha told police he had served 120 days in jail and did not plan on going back. He said he would flee either to Mexico or Canada. Because of these statements, police placed a $25,000 bond on Atha, which he posted. He is scheduled to appear in court March 8.
Also from the police blotter:
? Amanda Rivers was arrested early Sunday morning on a DWI charge after a car accident at the intersection of the Post Road and Leroy Avenue. Rivers was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer when the car in front of her stopped at a red light. Rivers failed to stop and struck the rear of the other vehicle, a Ford pickup truck. When police arrived, they administered a field sobriety test, which Rivers failed. She was also charged with following too closely. She posted a $250 bond and goes to court March 9.
? Darien Police arrested Courtney Wilson, 38, of Westport on Sunday as they were helping Stamford Police with a DUI checkpoint. When Wilson was stopped on High Ridge Road as part of the checkpoint, police detected the strong odor of marijuana. He was taken aside and asked if he had been smoking, which he confirmed. A field sobriety test showed that he was not impaired and able to drive. However, he was arrested when police found 1.6 grams of marijuana on him, along with a pipe containing residue. He posted a $250 bond and will go to court March 9.
Want the latest crime news in Darien? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
