On Monday, Dec 26 around 1:00pm Greenwich Police responded to Greenwich Ave on a report of a grey pickup that traveled up Greenwich Avenue. The truck, which had tires loaded in the truckbed was headed north on Greenwich Avenue against traffic when it crashed into multiple vehicles.
Police say the driver of the 2001 Ford F150 had driven up the Ave before turning onto Fawcett Place, and was observed returning to the scene and was ordered to stop.
The driver identified himself as Lorenzo Benitez, but did not have a driver’s license with him.
Police say the strong, distinct odor associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverage was detected on his person and breath.
Benitez admitted to having consumed two beers before driving. He was unable to perform field sobriety tests to standard.
A DMV inquiry revealed that Benitez did not possess a driver’s license. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was actually Martin Ortega, 54, of Stamford.
He was arrested and charged with Failure to Driver in Proper Lane, Evading Responsibility with Injury/Property Damage, operating a Motor Vehicle without License, Illegal Operation of Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Wrong way – One-Way Street, Interfering with Officers/Resisting and Criminal Impersonation.
He was able to post the required 10% of his $5,000 bond and was released.
He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Jan 9, 2023.