MA Man Arrested for DUI; Wrong Way Driver on I-91 in Windsor
- csp.pio
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
On Saturday, 04/12/25, at approximately 2:08 AM, Troop H- Hartford received a complaint of erratic operation of a red sport utility vehicle traveling northbound on I-91 in the area of exit 35 in Windsor. It was reported to Troop H that the vehicle was driving with no lights illuminated and failing to maintain its lane.
While Troopers were responding, Troop H desk personnel located the vehicle on I-91 northbound utilizing DOT traffic cameras. It was confirmed at this point that the vehicle was driving with no lights illuminated and swerving across all lanes. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle was observed making a U-turn on the highway, now driving in the wrong direction. The vehicle was observed driving the wrong way off of the exit 37 on ramp, turned around, and merged back onto I-91 northbound in the correct direction. A responding Trooper located the vehicle shortly thereafter and activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop near exit 38 in Windsor.
Once the Trooper had activated their emergency lights and siren, the vehicle began to slow and initially appeared to be taking exit 38. The vehicle was then observed driving into the gore area of exit 38, where it struck DOT signposts and began to slide in the soft shoulder. The operator steered back towards the highway and came to a complete stop in the right shoulder.
Based upon the erratic driving behavior both observed on camera and physically witnessed by the Trooper, the Trooper gave the operator clear verbal commands to shut off the vehicle and drop the keys outside, to which the operator complied. The Trooper then made contact with the operator, who was positively identified as William Chretien (DOB 03/26/84) of West Springfield, MA. It became apparent while speaking with Chretien that he was exhibiting clear signs of impairment, to include slurred speech, red glossy eyes, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person.
Chretien was asked to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, to which he agreed and ultimately failed. Chretien was subsequently arrested without incident and was transported to Troop H, where he was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
CGS 14-236; Failure to Maintain Proper Lane- Limited Access Highway
CGS 14-237; Driving the Wrong Way on a Divided Highway
CGS 14-238a; Illegal Entry onto Limited Access Highway
CGS 14-96a(a); Failure to Display Lights
Chemical testing conducted during processing at Troop H revealed that Chretien had a blood alcohol content in excess of the legal limit. Chretien was later released from custody on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Hartford Superior Court on 04/24/25. Please see the attached video & criminal information summary.
