On Monday Oct 14 around 3:19am, Troopers from Troop G-Bridgeport were dispatched to the Route 15 northbound exit 35 ramp in Stamford for a reported one car crash.
Upon arrival, the investigating Trooper observed a white Dodge Challenger sedan with extensive damage on all sides. It was disabled and blocking the exit 35 ramp.
Hugo Garcia. Photo courtesy CT State Police. Oct 15, 2024
The Trooper then observed a male party in the shoulder, who was being treated by EMS personnel for injuries sustained in the accident. This person was identified as a passenger in the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of their injuries.
A bystander at the scene reported to Troopers that the operator had fled the scene on foot following the accident. The same bystander, who was not involved in the accident, reported to Troopers that they pleaded with the operator not to drive given his alleged state of intoxication. The bystander contacted the operator by phone at the request of the investigating Trooper, to which the operator complied and returned to the scene on foot.
The operator was positively identified as Hugo Garcia, 20, of Stamford. Garcia immediately identified himself as the operator by reporting to Troopers that he was the one who crashed. He further explained to Troopers that he had to leave the scene because he was drunk.
While speaking with Garcia, the investigating Trooper observed the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person. Garcia was offered medical treatment by EMS personnel on scene, to which he declined. He was subsequently arrested and advised of his rights at approximately 3:39am.
The on-scene investigation revealed numerous alcohol containers, both empty and unopened within the vehicle. The investigating Trooper continued to interview Garcia while in custody seated in their cruiser, to which Garcia explained that he had spun out while operating at speeds in excess of 140 mph and believed he struck the guardrail. He also explained that he believed he had consumed about a 12-pack of beer.
Garcia was transported to Troop G-Bridgeport for processing, at which time Standardized Field Sobriety Testing was administered. Garcia failed to perform the tests to standard and also explained that he had used cocaine previously.
Upon conducting an inventory of Garcia’s property, a small amount of suspected cocaine was located in Garcia’s wallet.
Garcia’s charges:
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-224(b)(3); Evading Responsibility w/Injury
CGS 14-227a; Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
CGS 14-236; Failure to Maintain Proper Lane- Limited Access Highway
CGS 21a-279(a)(1); Possession of a Controlled Substance
Garcia was later released from custody on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Nov 15, 2024.