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2025 statistics: Impaired driving increasing in Connecticut

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2025 statistics: Impaired driving increasing in Connecticut


MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — For decades, police have been arresting drunk drivers and measuring their blood alcohol levels.

But in October, the Connecticut Forensic Lab started testing all impaired drivers for drugs, and even the experts were shocked by what they found.

“It’s not simply alcohol combined with one drug combined with alcohol,” Dr. Jessica Gleba, the director of Forensic Lab Operations, said. “We are seeing multiple drugs used together and often combined with alcohol.”

Fentanyl and carfentanyl use are on the rise and the data shows people are combining multiple drugs at an alarming rate.

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“The data revealed, in 2025, 14% of cases analyzed had 10 or more drugs present, an increase compared to 2022, when the number was 6%,” Gleba said.

Approximately 50% of cases in 2025 had five or more drugs detected, according to the Connecticut Forensic Lab.

Not only is the state lab finding more and more combinations of drugs in impaired drivers, Connecticut is also seeing more fatal accidents caused by impaired drivers.

Across the country, around 30% of fatal crashes are caused by impaired drivers. Joe Cristalli, Jr., the CTDOT Highway Safety Office director, said Connecticut is well above that.

“The impaired rate is 40% – between 37% and 40% – and we’re one of the highest in the country,” Cristalli said.

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It is the season for holiday parties, but it is also cold and flu season, and over the counter medicine can impair your driving, especially combined with alcohol.

The message from law enforcement is clear.

“If you are caught, you will be arrested, you will be presented for prosecution, which means you’re going to have to appear before a judge in the State of Connecticut,” commissioner Ronnell Higgins of the Deptartment of Emergency Services & Public Protection said. “I don’t know how clearer I can be.”

In other words, don’t drink or use drugs and get behind the wheel.

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Lifeguards rescue driver who crashed car into pool in Connecticut

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Lifeguards rescue driver who crashed car into pool in Connecticut


NEW CANAAN, Conn. — An elderly driver was rescued from his vehicle after he accidentally crashed into a swimming pool in on Tuesday.

It happened just after 10:30 a.m. at the Steve Benko Pool at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut.

The Tesla plowed through a fence and set of trees before plunging into the water. Police say he was trying to park at the time.

The community pool was closed when it happened, so no one was swimming or in the path of the vehicle.

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Lifeguards and first responders entered the pool to help the driver out of the vehicle.

Lifeguard Mike D’Urso, 18, described what happened.

“Me and my coworker were setting up the umbrellas when we heard a loud crash and we turned around and there was a car right in the middle of the pool,” D’Urso said.

D’Urso said the man was conscious and alert, but the vehicle began to take on water.

“The car began to sink a couple minutes in, and my concern was that the water would rise above his head and wouldn’t be able to breathe,” D’Urso said.

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D’Urso and EMS workers pulled the victim out through the passenger side window. The driver said he wasn’t injured, but he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

The pool will have to be drained, cleaned and refilled. Officials hope to have it reopened by the weekend.

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1 dead in Hartford double shooting

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1 dead in Hartford double shooting


One person is dead after a double shooting in Hartford, police said.

ShotSpotter notified police of shots fired around 7 p.m. on Magnolia Street.

When officers got to the scene, they found a woman unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

Police identified the victim as 46-year-old Diana Tirado of New Britain. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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There was another woman in her 30s with a gunshot wound on the sidewalk. She was taken to the hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. Her identity has not been released.

Police have not identified a suspect at this time.



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Taste of SoNo Supports Connecticut Foodshare » CBIA

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Taste of SoNo Supports Connecticut Foodshare » CBIA


More than 200 people gathered May 28 in Norwalk for a night of food and entertainment supporting Connecticut Foodshare’s mission to fight food insecurity.

The second annual Taste of SoNo brought together local restaurants, business leaders, community partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters to celebrate Fairfield County’s vibrant culinary community.

The event took place in The Magnificent Room at the SoNo Collection.

Guests sampled offerings from more than a dozen local restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and other exhibitors.

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They also learned more about Connecticut Foodshare’s work through its network of community partners, mobile pantries, and other hunger-relief programs.

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The evening featured live music and a silent auction with dining, music, and sports experiences, along with artwork and sports memorabilia.

“We are extremely thankful to everyone who attended and supported Connecticut Foodshare through this event,” said Connecticut Foodshare president and CEO Jason Jakubowski.

“The generosity of our restaurant partners, sponsors, volunteers, and guests helps us continue our mission.”

Connecticut Foodshare’s Jason Jakubowski

“The generosity of our restaurant partners, sponsors, volunteers, and guests helps us continue our mission to end hunger in Connecticut and ensure that families facing food insecurity have access to the nutritious food they need.”

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Connecticut Foodshare hosted the event for the second year and has already started planning next year’s Taste of SoNo.



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