Cheshire Man Accused Of DUI And Driving 127 MPH On I-91: State Police

CHESHIRE, CT — A 43-year-old Cheshire man was arrested on a host of motor vehicle charges Friday on I-91, after Connecticut State Police said the man was clocked driving 127 mph on the thruway in Wallingford.

Derrick R. Hannon was pulled over by state police at about 11:45 p.m., after a trooper spotted two vehicles "weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed, appearing to engage in street racing" northbound on I-91 near exit 11.

One of the vehicles was an SUV and the other a white sedan, and the trooper saw "the SUV using the right shoulder to pass several vehicles," according to state police.

That SUV, a red Toyota 4Runner, was clocked at 127 mph in what is a 65 mph zone, state police said.

The trooper was able to catch up to the SUV, which was driven by Hannon, and pull it over, but the other vehicle got away.

"During their interaction, the Trooper observed several signs of impairment, including the odor of alcohol on Hannon's breath, bloodshot and watery eyes, and slowed fine motor skills," state police said. "Additionally, the Trooper noted several opened and unopened alcohol containers on the passenger side floorboard. When asked if he had consumed alcohol prior to the stop, Hannon refused to answer."

Once out of the vehicle, Hannon was unsteady on his feet, according to state police, and he refused to perform Standardized Field Sobriety tests.

Hannon was taken into custody and charged with the following:

• Reckless Driving
• Illegal Racing on a Highway
• Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
• Improper Passing
• Failure to Comply w/ Passing on Right Rules
• Failure to Drive in Proper Lane
• Failure to Comply w/ Fingerprinting Request
• Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree

He was released after posting a $5,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Dec. 20.