DUI Driver Arrested After Wrong-Way Crash On I-95 In West Haven: PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — A Hartford man was arrested after police said he was driving the wrong way while under the influence of alcohol in a head-on crash on I-95 in West Haven early Sunday morning.

Troop G in Bridgeport began receiving 911 calls around 12:15 a.m. on Dec. 1 reporting a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound travel lanes on I-95 in the area of exit 47 in New Haven, according to Connecticut State Police.

Police said several troopers responded to the area to try and intercept the vehicle.

A responding trooper spotted the wrong-way vehicle, identified as a black Chevrolet Volt, heading directly toward them, according to police.

“With emergency lights and siren activated, the Trooper attempted to stop the vehicle safely,” police wrote in a news release. “However, the driver swerved, nearly striking the Trooper, and continued traveling the wrong way.

“While responding to the area, Troopers observed that the wrong-way vehicle had collided head-on with another vehicle in the right lane in the area of exit 43 in West Haven. Troopers immediately shut down the highway to safely conduct their investigation.”

Upon approaching the scene, police said troopers saw a man leaning against the metal beam guardrail on the right shoulder. He was identified as the wrong-way driver and reported no injuries, according to police.

The four occupants of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries, and police said they were evaluated by EMS at the scene and taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

The wrong-way driver was identified as 38-year-old Thabiso P. Mgoza, according to police.

“While speaking with Mgoza, Troopers observed that he struggled to maintain his balance and was unable to provide his current location,” police wrote. “They also detected the strong odor of alcohol on his breath and noted his eyes were bloodshot and watery. Mgoza told Troopers that he could not remember how he ended up driving the wrong way on the highway.”

Mgoza then failed a field sobriety test and was arrested, according to police.

Mgoza was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, driving the wrong way on a divided highway, failure to drive in proper lane, second-degree reckless endangerment, and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

He was released after posting a $5,000 bond with a court date of Dec. 16.