A Connecticut woman driving with only a learner’s permit was charged with DUI on Monday after state police allegedly observed her swerving across all travel lanes on Interstate 95 while speeding.
A trooper from Troop G in Bridgeport was patrolling I-95 North near Exit 4 in Greenwich around 2:08 a.m. when they allegedly observed a Nissan Murano SUV driving over 85 mph while swerving across all three travel lanes, according to the Connecticut State Police.
Based on the observations, the trooper initiated a traffic stop. The Nissan driver compiled and pulled over, state police said.
The driver, 30-year-old Maria Zavaleta of Bridgeport, was positively identified by her Connecticut Adult Learner’s Permit, according to state police. Zavaleta was the only person in the vehicle.
State police said the trooper allegedly noted the smell of an alcohol coming from the vehicle and claimed that Zavaleta’s eyes were watery. Zavaleta allegedly admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages, according to state police. She was asked to submit to standardized field sobriety testing, which she allegedly failed, state police said.
Zavaleta was arrested and transported to Troop G where she was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs, reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
According to state police, chemical breath testing conducted during Zavaleta’s processing reportedly showed that her blood alcohol content was approximately twice the legal limit.
Zavaleta was later released from custody on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Stamford Superior Court on Nov. 18.
