Reports of disabled vehicle lead to DUI arrest

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MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut State Police say they've arrested a GMC Sierra pickup truck driver with DUI and other charges after breaking into his truck that was found parked on I-91 in Middletown.

Troopers responded to the report around 2:28 a.m. Saturday that a vehicle was disabled in the right climbing traffic lane on I-91 Northbound in Middletown between the Rest Area and Exit 20.

The driver, identified as Sean O'Neill, 24, of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was found slumped over the wheel of the truck.

Troopers first tried to get his attention to check on O'Neill but, when that failed, they broke a window in the truck, making O'Neill become alert.

A melee ensued in which O'Neill allegedly began resisting trooper's commands.

With oncoming traffic, the troopers pulled O'Neill out of the truck, who continued to resist, until he was secured in handcuffs.

Investigating Troopers detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person and containers consistent with alcoholic beverages were observed within the GMC, in plain view.

O'Neill, according to State Police, later failed standardized field sobriety tests at Troop H.

He is charged with operating under the influence, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, improper parking, two counts of interfering, second-degree reckless endangerment, and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

O'Neill was later released from custody on a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Middletown Superior Court on July 12, 2024.