On Monday, 10/28/2024 at approximately 6:40 PM, a Trooper was providing protection for workers on a highway construction project along I-95 northbound, between exit 92 and the Rhode Island state line in North Stonington. The project involved a left lane closure, which was marked by numerous lane closure signs, road work signs, orange traffic barrels and cones. Multiple DOT crash trucks were on scene equipped with illuminated arrow boards advising traffic that the left lane was closed.
The Trooper was stationed within the construction pattern when Troop E- Montville dispatch personnel issued a "BOLO" (Be On The Lookout) alert for an erratic driver operating a black sedan in the area of exit 92. Moments later, the Trooper spotted a black sedan traveling behind them within the construction zone before merging into the appropriate travel lane, nearly striking another motorist. Based on this observation, the Trooper merged into the travel lane, positioned their cruiser behind the sedan, and activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. In response, the operator came to a complete stop along the right side of the travel lane, blocking traffic and creating a hazard. The Trooper quickly exited their cruiser to approach the driver and instructed them to move to a safer area within the construction zone. At this time, the Trooper identified the vehicle to be a black BMW M3 displaying a Connecticut registration.
Once the vehicle was relocated to a safer area, the Trooper exited their cruiser and re-approached the vehicle, requesting the driver to provide their license, registration, and proof of insurance. While speaking with the driver, the Trooper observed that the vehicle continued to roll forward and had repeatedly instructed the driver to put the vehicle in park. The driver successfully put the vehicle in park and handed the keys over to the Trooper upon their request. The driver was identified by his CT driver's license as John E. Jimenez (DOB: 11/04/1978), of New London. During their interaction, the Trooper noticed that Jimenez's eyes appeared glossy, his speech was slurred, and that he displayed difficultly following instructions.
The Trooper returned to their cruiser and requested additional units to respond to the scene after determining that Jimenez was exhibiting signs of impairment.
Once additional units arrived on scene, they re-approached the vehicle and found Jimenez asleep in the driver's seat. Troopers were able to wake him and instructed him to exit the vehicle. Jimenez was asked to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which he ultimately did not complete to standard. As a result, Jimenez was placed under arrest. A search incident to arrest revealed approximately 2 grams of a purple powdery substance in a small clear plastic bag on his person. When asked about additional narcotics in the vehicle, Jimenez admitted there was fentanyl in a bag in the backseat. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 22.5 grams of a white powdery/rock-like substance in a clear plastic bag, which Troopers suspected to be linked to illegal distribution. Additionally, Troopers found cash in Jimenez's wallet in denominations consistent with street-level narcotics dealing. Both the cash and the seized narcotics were collected and submitted as evidence.
Jimenez was transported to Troop E for processing and charged with the following violations:
C.G.S. 14-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
C.G.S. 14-236; Failure to Drive in Proper Lane
C.G.S. 21a-277(a(1(A; Sale of a Narcotic Substance
C.G.S. 21a-279(a)(1); Possession of a Controlled Substance- 1st Offense
Following arrest processing, Jimenez was released on a $20,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at New London Superior Court on 11/14/2024. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
