An off-duty Connecticut State Police trooper has been arrested on DUI and other charges for crashing his cruiser in Southington on Halloween.
Jacob Drechsler, 24, turned himself in on Sunday after police obtained a warrant for his arrest, according to the Southington Police Department.
He faces charges of carrying a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, evading responsibility, reckless driving and failure to drive in the proper lane.
A state police spokesperson said Monday that Drechsler is on paid administrative duty and that an internal affairs investigation is being conducted.
Police said they responded to the 1200 block of Flanders Road on Oct. 31 just before 2:30 a.m. on the report of a single-car crash involving an off-duty state police cruiser. Drechsler was identified as the only person in the vehicle, according to police. He was taken to the Hospital of Central Connecticut and treated for his injuries after officers at the scene found that he was allegedly showing signs of intoxication, police said.
According to police, investigators believe Drechsler was heading north on Flanders Road when he left the road and struck two mailboxes as well as a fire hydrant. The vehicle then became disabled.
Police said they obtained a warrant for Drechsler’s arrest after a search for his medical records allegedly showed that he had an elevated blood alcohol content.
Drechsler posted a $25,000 bond and is set to face a judge in New Britain Superior Court on Dec. 29.
