Motorist Crashes Into Liquor Store, Charged With DUI

[image credit: David Shankbone]

Drunk driving offenders usually get into trouble after they leave a bar or liquor store, but this incident is a variation on a theme: a Connecticut motorist who was allegedly a regular customer crashed her Ford Taurus into the front entrance of a local liquor store on Friday afternoon.

The liquor store in question was definitely not a drive-thru.

Police charged the motorist, age 63, with driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving. The incident occurred in East Haven, Connecticut.

According to NBC Connecticut WVIT, “The car continued halfway into the store striking the counter, crushing displays of wine, and injuring an employee inside.” Thankfully the injuries to the worker were apparently minor.

The store’s owner, who has been running the place for eight years, said he’s never experienced anything like this, and added that “We were just waiting over there for the customers to come in and all of a sudden the car came in all the way, halfway through the store and we were just shocked.”

The motorist claims that she was taking medication (Nyquil) for a cold and also that her foot slipped off the brake because Armor All was used to clean the brake pad.

Here is the report that aired on NBC Connecticut:

The New Haven Register also covered the story:

A person convicted of DUI in Connecticut on a first offense faces up to six months in jail , a fine of up to $1,000, and a one-year license suspension. Reckless driving is punishable by a fine of $100-$300, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both, for a first offense