Bethel Police Arrest Log Highlights, Mar. 5 - 31

BETHEL, CT — Motor vehicle violations and a hotel guest who over-stayed her welcome were at the top of the Bethel Police Department blotter in March.

Bethel Man, 77, charged with DUI after hit-and-run at Burger King

A 77-year-old Bethel man is facing a DUI charge after police say they found him unconscious behind the wheel of a running vehicle following a hit-and-run crash on private property.

Officers from the Bethel Police Department responded to the Burger King at 265 Greenwood Avenue on March 29 at approximately 2:49 p.m. to investigate a crash in which the vehicle reportedly left the scene. Police said they located the suspect vehicle in the driveway of the registered owner’s home on Grandview Avenue.

According to the report, the driver, identified as Patrick Andrew Collins, was found passed out in the driver's seat with the vehicle still running. Officers conducted an investigation and charged Collins with operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

Collins was released after posting 7 percent of a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear at Danbury Superior Court on April 7.

Bethel man faces motor vehicle charges related to December 2024 crash

A Bethel resident is facing charges in connection with a motor vehicle crash that took place in December 2024, according to the Bethel Police Department.

Jeffrey Smigala, 45, was contacted by officers at his residence on Plumtrees Road at 11:31 a.m. on March 29. The visit was prompted by a warrant linked to the earlier crash.

Smigala faces charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence and traveling too fast for conditions. The charges followed an investigation that included standardized field sobriety tests.

Smigala was released on a court-set bond of $25,000, posting 7 percent in cash. He is scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on April 7 at 9 a.m.

Newtown woman charged with trespassing at Bethel hotel

A Newtown resident is facing a criminal trespass charge following a complaint at a local hotel, according to the Bethel Police Department.

Officers responded to the Microtel on Benedict Road at approximately 3:12 p.m. on March 2 after a report that a guest had remained past the designated checkout time and refused to leave when asked. Hotel staff told police that the individual disconnected the call when contacted by the front desk.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Emily Blewett, 37, who they said was uncooperative and declined to leave the premises. She was charged with first-degree criminal trespass under Connecticut General Statute 53a-107.

Blewett was held on a $1,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on March 3.

Related: Bethel Police Arrest Log, Feb. 14 - Mar. 4