State Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, who represents Groton and Stonington, had his charges dropped following his participation in a court-approved program for first-time offenders, reports said.
The case stems from an early morning stop along Gold Star Highway in Groton. It happened around 2:30 a.m. on March 2, 2025.
Police said they spotted two vehicles moving slowly. The lead car shifted over to let the other pass, then pulled into the breakdown lane. An officer stopped behind the vehicle.
Bumgardner got out of the car right away. He told the officer he had a flat tire and was trying to get home. His wife was asleep in the backseat at the time, according to police.
Officers reported signs of impairment. They said his speech was slurred and there was a strong smell of alcohol. They also said he appeared unsteady while standing.
Bumgardner told police he had nothing to drink. He later said he had been at an event with constituents but was unclear about details, according to the report.
Police said he failed field sobriety tests three times. He was arrested at the scene. His blood alcohol level was reported to be more than twice the legal limit.
About a week later, Bumgardner was accepted into an impaired driving intervention program. The program required about 12 alcohol education classes and attendance at a victim impact panel, WTNH reported.
After completing the program, the charges were dismissed.
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