On Thursday, 02/06/25, at approximately 3:18 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop E- Montville was patrolling I-95 northbound in Stonington when they observed a vehicle stopped in the shoulder near exit 91. Believing that this may be a disabled vehicle in need of assistance, the Trooper pulled over to provide assistance.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the Trooper observed that the sole occupant of the vehicle was asleep in the driver's seat and the driver's side window was rolled down. Given the time of day, the Trooper illuminated the cabin of the vehicle with a handheld flashlight. Upon attempting to wake the male operator, the operator began to use his hands to gently paw like a cat in the direction of the Trooper, asking the light be turned off. Immediately following this behavior, the Trooper began to observe clear signs of impairment.
Once the operator was fully awake, he was positively identified as Christian Gonzalez (DOB 02/01/2000), of East Haven. The Trooper requested Gonzalez step out of the vehicle, to which he complied. Based upon his observed behavior, to include signs of impairment, Gonzalez was requested to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. Gonzalez agreed to submit to testing and subsequently failed to perform to standard.
Further investigation determined that Gonzalez's license privilege was under suspension and that he had a prior DUI arrest. Gonzalez was arrested without incident and transported to Troop E, where he was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-227a(2nd); Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs (2nd Offense)
CGS 14-215; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under Suspension
Gonzalez was later released from custody on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at New London Superior Court on 02/20/25. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
