DUI Driver Strikes Pedestrian In Wallingford: Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A pedestrian was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was struck by a driver operating under the influence of alcohol last Friday in Wallingford, according to police.

Officers with the Wallingford Police Traffic Division were working a State of Connecticut DUI grant on Feb. 7 when a 52-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a gray Chevrolet Silverado, according to Officer Alex Torres.

Police responded to the area of 76 Center St. and identified the driver as 64-year-old Carlton J. Brechlin of Wallingford, according to Torres.

Torres said Brechlin exhibited signs of intoxication. While speaking with Brechlin, officers found that he consumed alcohol at a local restaurant just east of where the crash occurred, according to Torres.

Officers conducted a field sobriety test on Brechlin that indicated he was impaired, according to Torres.

“While conducting the test, Officers smelled the strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath and Brechlin was subsequently arrested,” Torres wrote in a news release.

The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation of injuries.

Torres said it was later reported that she had three cracked vertebrate, eight broken ribs, and a concussion.

Brechlin was charged operating under the influence of alcohol, operating vehicle with unsafe tires, and illegal harm to vulnerable person on public highway.