On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 3:14 AM, Troopers from Troop G - Bridgeport initiated a traffic stop on I-95 northbound in the City of West Haven, after observing a vehicle operating erratically. Troopers followed the vehicle where they were able to clock the vehicle's speed at 128 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone.
Once stopped in the area of exit 43, Troopers identified the operator as Venugopal Puppala (D.O.B 12/04/1999) of Newark, NJ. Puppala stated that he was traveling at 120 MPH to pick up his friend from a nightclub in New Haven, and that they were waiting for him. While speaking with Puppala, Troopers could smell a strong odor associated with an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person, and his eyes were bloodshot and watery.
Due to Troopers suspicion of Puppala being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Puppala was asked to perform the standardized field sobriety tests, which he complied and ultimately did not perform to standard.
Puppala was subsequently taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop G for processing. Puppala was charged with the following:
C.G.S. 14-227a - Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol / Drugs
C.G.S. 14-222 - Reckless Driving
Puppala was released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on 03/11/2025.
Please see attached criminal information summary.
