On Saturday, 11/02/24 at approximately 11:00 PM, a Trooper assigned to Troop L- Litchfield was conducting proactive speed enforcement on Route 8 northbound near exit 34 (old exit 37) in Watertown. It was at this time that the Trooper observed a pickup truck traveling northbound towards their stationary position at a rate of speed which was clearly higher than the posted speed limit of 55 mph. The Trooper subsequently clocked the vehicle's speed at 83 mph. Based upon this observation, the Trooper pulled out from their stationary location and positioned their cruiser behind the observed pickup to initiate a traffic stop. Prior to doing so, the Trooper observed the operator taking the exit 34 off ramp.
The Trooper followed the pickup and activated their emergency lights and siren on Frost Bridge Rd in Watertown. The operator complied with the Trooper's signal to stop and pulled over along the right side of the roadway. The Trooper ran the vehicle's displayed CT registration plate and observed that the registration was suspended for lack of insurance and did not match the vehicle. The Trooper made contact with the operator, who was later identified as Dakota Arsenault (DOB 09/12/98), of Plymouth. Upon asking Arsenault for his license, registration and proof of insurance, Arsenault immediately notified the Trooper that his vehicle was neither registered nor insured.
Arsenault then advised the Trooper, without being asked, that he had been drinking. It was at this time that the Trooper also observed the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Arsenault's person. Arsenault was asked to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, to which Arsenault refused to submit to the walk and turn and one leg stand phases of testing. Arsenault was subsequently arrested without incident and transported to Troop L, where he was processed for the following charges:
CGS 14-12(a)*; Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
CGS 14-147(c); Misuse of Registration
CGS 14-219(c)(1); Speeding > 70 MPH, Limited Access Highway
CGS 14-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
Chemical testing later conducted at Troop L revealed that Arsenault's blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. Arsenault was later released from custody on a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear at Waterbury Superior Court on 11/13/24. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
