On Wednesday, 10/16/24 at approximately 9:02 PM, personnel from Troop H- Hartford were dispatched to the I-84 eastbound exit 56 off ramp in East Hartford for a reported wrong way motor vehicle accident. The wrong way detection system posted on the exit 56 off ramp activated just one minute prior to the accident itself at 9:01 PM. Upon arrival on scene, Troopers determined that the accident involved three vehicles, one of which was facing the wrong way on the exit 56 off ramp. The on-scene investigation determined that the vehicle facing the wrong direction had collided head-on with another vehicle taking the exit ramp, which subsequently caused a side swipe collision with a third vehicle on the ramp immediately following the initial collision. The wrong way vehicle was determined to have been unregistered, uninsured, and bore a license plate belonging to another vehicle. It was later determined that the operator of this vehicle did not have a valid driver's license.
Troopers determined that the operator of the vehicle struck head-on by the wrong way driver had sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The operator of the sideswiped vehicle reported no injuries on scene, and the wrong way operator had reportedly fled the scene on foot. East Hartford PD was contacted for assistance to establish a perimeter off the highway, and a CSP K9 unit responded to the scene to conduct a track.
The evading operator was located a short time later following a successful K9 track, in the woods amongst tall grass next to the exit ramp where the accident occurred. The evading operator was positively identified as Wilmer Vizcaino (DOB 08/31/95) of Waterbury. A strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was observed to be emanating from Vizcaino's person, and he was also observed to have visible injuries consistent with the collision. Vizcaino's injuries were also consistent with no seatbelt use. Vizcaino was evaluated by EMS personnel on scene and declined further treatment. Vizcaino was subsequently arrested and transported to Troop H for processing, at which time he was advised of his rights and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing was administered. Vizcaino subsequently failed SFST's.
Vizcaino was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-227a; Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
CGS 14-224(b)(2); Evading Responsibility w/Injury
CGS 14-237; Driving Wrong Way- Divided Highway
CGS 14-213b; Operating without Minimum Insurance
CGS 14-12a*; Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
CGS 14-36a; Operating without a License
CGS 14-147c; Misuse of Registration Plate
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-100a(a); Failure to Wear Seatbelt
CGS 53a-63; Reckless Endangerment First Degree
CGS 53a-167a; Interfering with an Officer/Resisting
Vizcaino was subsequently held on a $50,000 bond and transferred to the custody of Hartford Correctional Center. Vizcaino is scheduled to appear at Hartford Superior Court on 10/17/24. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
Photo Credit: CT DOT
