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Bridgeport Budget Chief Charged With DUI After Hitting Tree, Failing Sobriety Tests

A city official has been charged with allegedly driving under the influence after hitting a tree in Fairfield County.

Nestor Nkwo

Nestor Nkwo

Photo Credit: Bridgeport.gov

Bridgeport Budget Chief Nestor Nkwo was arrested around 8 p.m., Friday, March 29, after officers responded to a report of a crash on Park Avenue.

According to an arrest report prepared by Bridgeport Police Officer Ryan Wilson, when he first interacted with Nkwo, who serves as the director of Bridgeport's Office of Police and Management, he talked and acted "normally."

Wilson wrote that, however, when he got close, he could smell alcohol and that Nkwo could not seem to stay on the topic. 

He also failed a series of field sobriety tests, in which he couldn't stand on one leg without putting his other leg down and waving his arms around, the report said.

An alcohol breath test was performed, and he registered 0.1260 on a breath test, the report said. The legal limit in Connecticut is 0.08.

Nkwo, whose age was not released, was arrested and charged with DUI. He was released on a summons to appear in court on Friday, April 12.

Tiadora Josef, spokeswoman for the city, said neither the arrest nor potential conviction, possible revocation of driver's license, etc., prevent the employee from performing the essential functions of the position of OPM Director. 

"The position of OPM Director does not require a driver's license," she added. "In terms of the employee’s employment as a public agent, the arrest and/ or actions resulting in the arrest as an OPM Director does not jeopardize public safety." 

She added that Nkwo had been offered support services.

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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