On Thursday, 11/14/24 at approximately 7:06 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop H- Hartford was patrolling I-91 southbound prior to exit 33 in Hartford. The Trooper was patrolling the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane with their stationary cruise lights activated when they were passed in the left lane by a black Chevrolet pickup.
The Trooper observed that the pickup was traveling between the left lane and swale of the HOV lane when they were passed, to which the Trooper continued to observe operation. The Trooper observed that the pickup was continuing to accelerate and moving erratically across the lanes, from left to right, nearly colliding with other vehicles. The Trooper positioned their cruiser behind the pickup and observed further unsafe lane changes, to include the truck coming back across to the left, straddling the left lane and HOV swale. Based upon these observations, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop.
The operator complied with the Trooper's signal to stop and pulled into the right shoulder near exit 33. The operator was positively identified as Anthony Benvenuto (DOB 03/16/70), of Enfield, by his provided Maine operator's license. While speaking with Benvenuto, the Trooper began to observe clear signs of impairment consistent with drug use. Upon asking Benvenuto if he had consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving, Benvenuto stated that he had not. The Trooper requested Benvenuto participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, to which Benvenuto agreed. Benvenuto failed to perform the tests to standard and was subsequently arrested.
Further investigation revealed that Benvenuto's Maine license was suspended and that he was unable to verify proof of insurance for his vehicle. Additionally, it was learned that Benvenuto was arrested for DUI by Troop H personnel on 11/10/24, in the same area of I-91 southbound.
Benvenuto was transported to Troop H, where he was processed for the following charges:
CGS 14-213b; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Without Minimum Insurance
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-227a(3rd); Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs (Third Offense)
CGS 14-236; Failure to Maintain Proper Lane- Limited Access Highway
CGS 14-36a(c); Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle in Violation of License Classification
Benvenuto was held on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Hartford Superior Court on 11/15/24. Please see the attached criminal information summaries.
