On Saturday, 02/01/25 at approximately 11:05 PM, Troop G- Bridgeport received an erratic operation complaint of a vehicle traveling north on I-95 near exit 5 in Greenwich. It was reported that the vehicle was missing a tire and was all over the road. The vehicle was reported to have taken exit 6. Shortly thereafter, a Trooper assigned to Troop G observed this vehicle on I-95 southbound near exit 5. The Trooper observed that the vehicle was in fact missing a tire as it was emitting large plumes of smoke while in motion, the operator was failing to maintain their lane and traveling under 30 mph.
Based upon these observations, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. The operator failed to comply with the Trooper's directive to stop and exited I-95 southbound at exit 4. The operator then got onto I-95 northbound and was traveling at speeds up to 70 mph while still failing to maintain lane.
Another Trooper responded to assist, and both Troopers boxed the vehicle in. The vehicle eventually came to a stop once boxed in near exit 5 northbound. The operator was positively identified as Hector Estrella (DOB 07/19/96), of Greenwich. While speaking with Estrella, Troopers began to observe clear signs of impairment to include bloodshot eyes, poor coordination and the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person. It also became apparent that Estrella was unaware that he was driving on a rim.
Estrella admitted to Troopers on scene that he had consumed alcohol and smoked cannabis prior to driving. Based upon these observations, Estrella was requested to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, to which Estrella agreed. Estrella failed to perform the tests to standard was subsequently arrested.
Estrella was transported to Troop G, where he was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-223(a); Disobeying Signal of an Officer
CGS 14-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
CGS 14-236; Failure to Maintain Proper Lane- Limited Access Highway
CGS 14-98a; Operating a Motor Vehicle with Unsafe Tires
Chemical testing later conducted at Troop G revealed that Estrella's blood alcohol content was in excess of the legal limit. Estrella was later released from custody on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear at Stamford Superior Court on 02/24/25. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
