Man arrested for alleged DUI with kids in car

LISBON — A Jewett City man was arrested and charged for allegedly driving under the influence with three young children in the car this weekend, police say.

John Stockton, 31, of Griswold was charged with driving under the influence, three counts of risk of injury and possession of a controlled substance on Friday.

According to the Norwich Superior Court clerk’s office, Stockton was arraigned on Monday, where bond was set at $75,000, and his case was continued to Oct. 12. The office said Monday afternoon that Stockton was being transferred to Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center in Montville.

In a Facebook post, Connecticut State Police Troop E said police were called about a silver Nissan Altima driving erratically at the shopping plaza in Lisbon at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday.

The vehicle was seen traveling at a high rate of speed, going over curbs, and nearly hitting barriers, police said.

Authorities said a nearby trooper responded and was able to find the vehicle, which was disabled, as well as its driver — who was inside a local business.

Stockton had three child passengers, ages 4, 3 and 2, police said. He reportedly failed field sobriety tests and was in possession of a controlled substance, according to the report.

Police did not identify Stockton in the post, citing state statutes preventing law enforcement from posting names and mugshots, but Troop E confirmed he is the accused.

Stockton was temporarily surrendered into the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections before his case was heard in court, police said.

Troopers remained on scene to help care and comfort the three children who had been in the vehicle, they said.

“As the children were barefoot inside the store, all were provided new shoes by the manager of the Aldi’s of Lisbon,” police said. “Troopers on scene and Aldi’s staff then purchased the children various snacks, food, and drinks to help comfort them prior to transporting them off-site.”

Police said the children were not injured, noting troopers installed car seats in their police cars to safely transport them to a family member.

The state Department of Children and Families has been notified of the incident, the report says.