State police: Cruiser struck in I-395 DUI incident

Norwich — State police say a Ledyard woman struck one of their cruisers Tuesday night.

Jessica Clinton, 31, of 743 Colonel Ledyard Highway was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, following too closely, failure to slow down or move over for emergency vehicle and driving with unsafe tires in the incident on Interstate 395 in Norwich.

State police personnel from Troop E in Montville were dispatched to a collision in the area, according to a state police news release.

“While investigating this collision, the trooper’s cruiser was positioned in the right travel lane with its emergency lights activated,” the release reads. “Moments later, the cruiser was struck by another vehicle. The at-fault operator was later determined to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol and was subsequently placed under arrest.”

The police report noted that Clinton is accused of hitting another vehicle, as well.

“The State Police cruiser had its emergency lights activated and was protecting the right lane where tow trucks were actively working. The accused’s vehicle then struck a second vehicle which was traveling in the left lane,” the report reads. “While speaking with the accused an odor of alcohol was detected and the accused admitted to having a few drinks. The accused was asked to complete the standardized field sobriety tests which she subsequently failed.”

It said Clinton was transported to Troop E, where she was charged. She is due in court in Norwich on Nov. 19.