A man was arrested in the early morning hours Monday after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash that injured one person off of Route 15 in Stamford, state police said.
Troopers responded to the Exit 35 ramp on Route 15 just before 3:20 a.m. on the report of a one-car crash and found a Dodge Challenger with extensive damage blocking the exit, according to Connecticut State Police.
State police said a male who was identified as a passenger in the vehicle was receiving medical attention for injuries suffered during the crash. The victim was later taken to an area hospital.
At the scene, state police said troopers spoke to a bystander who said the driver involved took off on foot following the crash. The individual, who was not involved in the crash, said they had pleaded with the driver not to get behind the wheel because he was allegedly intoxicated, according to state police.
State police said the same person was able to call the driver and have him come back to the scene of the crash. He was identified as 20-year-old Hugo Garcia of Stamford, according to state police.
State police said Garcia identified himself as the driver involved in the crash, allegedly saying he ran away because he was “drunk,” according to state police.
State police alleged that Garcia smelled of alcohol. He declined medical attention.
State police said Garcia allegedly admitted that he was driving more than 140 mph when the vehicle spun out and struck a guardrail. He also reportedly admitted to having consumed a dozen beers, troopers said.
According to state police, troopers found numerous alcohol containers inside the vehicle. Some were empty and others were unopened.
Garcia was taken to Troop G in Bridgeport where he allegedly failed multiple field sobriety tests, state police said. He allegedly admitted to having used cocaine earlier before troopers found a small amount in his wallet.
Garcia was charged with reckless driving, evading responsibility involving an injury, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to maintain the proper lane on a limited access highway and possession of a controlled substance.
Garcia was later released on a $5,000 bond and is expected to be arraigned in Stamford Superior Court on Nov. 15.
