Wrong-way driver charged with OUI on Route 8 in Torrington
TORRINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A man is facing charges after state police say he was driving the wrong way on Route 8 northbound in Torrington while under the influence on Friday.
Matthew Thompson, 45, of Torrington, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, driving the wrong way on a limited access highway, reckless driving and reckless endangerment in the first degree.
Driver killed in crash on Route 44 in Pomfret
State police said it happened around 12:34 a.m., when Troop L reported receiving multiple calls about a wrong-way driver traveling south on the northbound lanes on Route 8 in the area of Exit 39.
State police said officials confirmed the car was a Honda CR-V. While troopers were on their way, a witness called police and said the car turned around on the highway and was now driving in the correct direction.
Troopers conducted a traffic stop just before Exit 46 and noticed the driver had glossy eyes, a dry mouth and smelled of alcohol, state police said.
Thompson agreed to a standard sobriety test and failed, police said.
Thompson was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Torrington Superior Court on April 11.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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