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Troopers observed a high traffic volume over the Christmas holiday weekend. The operation will continue through the New Year’s Eve holiday, Jan. 2
Troopers will continue to conduct enforcement patrols throughout the state on both highways and secondary roads.
In addition, sobriety checkpoints will be set up in an effort to deter anyone from the consumption of alcohol and driving as we approach and celebrate the New Year.
If anyone sees a suspected drunk driver, or dangerous driver, please call 911 and immediately report it.
The incidents from Dec. 22 to 26 included:
- Accidents: 528
- With injury: 58
- Serious Injury: 1 I-91 exit 12 North Haven
- Fatality: 4: Dec. 22, I-84 exit 7, Danbury car v. pedestrian, Dec. 22, Route 8, Exit 27, Naugatuck car vs. pedestrian, Dec. 25, I-a691, Exit 5, Meriden, Dec. 26, Harland.
- DUI arrests: 47
- Speeding: 579
- Seatbelt: 50
- All Moving violations: 1,596
- Motorist Assists: 436
- Total calls for service: 8,046
Christmas 2015 stats:
- Accidents: 461
- With injury: 56
- Fatality: 5
- DUI arrests: 40
- Speeding: 621
- Seatbelt: 36
- All Moving violations: 1,563
A suspected drunken driver who hit and killed a pedestrian on Interstate 84 in Danbury on Thursday evening was apprehended with the help of a witness who called 911 and followed him, according to Connecticut State Police.
The accident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on eastbound I-84, just past Exit 7, state police said. The driver of the pickup continued after hitting the pedestrian and took Exit 8 for Newtown Road, followed by the witness, state police said.
It was not clear why the pedestrian, identified as Susan Blaney, 53, of Brewster, N.Y., was on the highway.
State police found the suspect, Roger Leblanc, 43, of Torrington, in his white 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup, in the parking lot of The Edge fitness club at 100 Newtown Road, state police said.
The state trooper administered a field sobriety test to Leblanc, who "did not perform to standard," state police said.
Leblanc was arrested and charged with operating under the influence, evading responsibility and second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle.
He was held on $500,000 bond with a court date of Friday, Dec. 23.
Blaney was transported to Danbury Hospital, where she was declared dead.
State police are investigating and witnesses are asked to call Trooper Diaz at 203-267-2240 at Troop A in Southbury.
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