
Connecticut Driver Arrested After High-Speed Chase While Missing a Tire
A drunk driver in Connecticut was so sloshed on Saturday, that he didn't realize he was missing a tire.
Erratic Driving Prompts Police Response
A driver exhibiting dangerous behavior on Interstate 95 led to a high-speed chase late Saturday night, according to state police. Authorities received reports around 11:05 p.m. of a vehicle swerving erratically on I-95 northbound near Exit 5 in Greenwich. Witnesses also noted that the vehicle was missing a tire and struggling to stay on the road.
(They released his mugshot and didn't mention this... but is that puke on his shirt? If not, he ate a whole lot of Cheetos and didn't have a napkin.)
Pursuit Escalates as Driver Attempts to Flee
Shortly after the initial report, the driver exited the highway at Exit 6 before re-entering I-95 southbound near Exit 5. A responding trooper spotted the vehicle, confirming it was missing a tire and emitting thick plumes of smoke. The driver was failing to maintain their lane and traveling under 30 mph, prompting the trooper to activate emergency lights and a siren in an attempt to pull the vehicle over.
Instead of complying, the driver exited at Exit 4, then re-entered I-95 northbound, accelerating to speeds of up to 70 mph while continuing to weave across lanes. A second trooper arrived to assist, and together, the officers managed to box in the vehicle near Exit 5 northbound, finally bringing the pursuit to an end.
Driver Found Impaired, Facing Multiple Charges
The driver, identified as 28-year-old Hector Estrella of Greenwich, exhibited clear signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, and the strong odor of alcohol, police reported. When questioned, Estrella admitted to consuming alcohol and smoking cannabis before driving. He also appeared unaware that he was operating the vehicle on a rim.
Field sobriety tests confirmed impairment and further chemical testing revealed a blood alcohol content above the legal limit of .08. Estrella was subsequently arrested and charged with reckless driving, failure to obey an officer, driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane, and operating a vehicle with unsafe tires.
Estrella was released on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Stamford court on February 24.
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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
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