Waterbury man arrested for hitting a police cruiser while intoxicated

WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A man is facing motor vehicle and intoxication charges after he collided with a police cruiser on Interstate 91 in Wallingford last Saturday.

On Aug. 10, officers with the Wallingford Police Department assisted in directing traffic while state police investigated a collision on I-91.

To alert oncoming drivers, a Wallingford officer positioned his marked police cruiser in the left and middle lanes while flashing his emergency lights to block drivers from entering and instead diverting to an exit.

Shortly after, 52-year-old Jesse Benefield of Waterbury drove a red 2005 Sierra pickup truck on the northbound side, going between 65-80 miles per hour. Benefield then struck the passenger side of the parked police cruiser while the officer was seated inside.

The officer sustained minor injuries.

Benefield was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was charged with violating Connecticut General Statutes, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, disobeying an officer’s signal, traveling unreasonably fast, and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Benefield was released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond and will face a judge at G.A. 7 in Meriden next Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.