DUI Driver Caught Going 128 MPH On I-95 In West Haven: State PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — A New Jersey man is accused of driving at more than 125 mph while operating under the influence on I-95 in West Haven early Saturday morning, according to Connecticut State Police.

Police said state troopers initiated a traffic stop around 3:15 a.m. on Feb. 15 near Exit 43 on I-95 North in West Haven after seeing a vehicle operating erratically.

Troopers followed the vehicle, where police said they were able to clock its speed at 128 mph in a posted 55 mph zone.

Once stopped in the area of Exit 43, troopers identified the driver as 25-year-old Venugopal Puppala of Newark, New Jersey, according to police.

“Puppala stated that he was traveling at 120 MPH to pick up his friend from a nightclub in New Haven, and that they were waiting for him,” police wrote in a news release. “While speaking with Puppala, Troopers could smell a strong odor associated with an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person, and his eyes were bloodshot and watery.

“Due to Troopers’ suspicion of Puppala being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Puppala was asked to perform the standardized field sobriety tests, which he complied and ultimately did not perform to standard.”

Puppala was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol / drugs and reckless driving. He was released after posting a $1,000 bond with a court date of March 11.