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Norwich Woman Leads Troopers on Pursuit, Ends in DUI Arrest

On Sunday, 10/20/2024 at approximately 10:31 PM, a Trooper assigned to Troop E- Montville was patrolling I-395 northbound in Norwich when they observed a silver Volvo XC90 displaying Connecticut registration plates being driven erratically.


The Trooper caught up to the vehicle and observed its speed exceeding 88 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. While following, the Trooper observed the vehicle swerving between the travel lanes and onto both the left and right shoulders, as well as tailgating another vehicle. Based on these observations, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver failed to stop and continued traveling north on I-395, with speeds fluctuating between 50 MPH to 80 MPH.


Due to the potential risk that the driver posed to the motoring public, the Trooper continued to follow the vehicle from a safe distance with their emergency lights and siren activated. Meanwhile, another Trooper worked to manage traffic from behind to prevent any further incidents with the Volvo. With supervisor approval, a third Trooper positioned themselves ahead and attempted to deploy their department issued tire deflation device. However, the driver avoided the device and continued traveling northbound. The Trooper shined their spotlight in the driver's side rear view mirror to gain the driver's attention, and observed the driver was looking directly at them, acknowledging their presence. At this point, Troopers communicated to each other and determined they would attempt to bring the vehicle to a stop by using a "box-in' maneuver. One Trooper positioned themselves in front of the Volvo and another Trooper remained behind the vehicle, as they collectively slowed down and safely brought the vehicle to a complete stop.


Once the vehicle was stopped, Troopers approached the driver's side door and observed a female occupant in the driver's seat. Troopers instructed her to exit the vehicle, but she refused. As a result, the Troopers assisted her out of the vehicle and placed her in handcuffs. Troopers identified the driver as Carly Armstrong (DOB: 07/08/1980), of Norwich. During their interaction, Troopers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Armstrong, noted that her speech was slurred, and observed her eyes to be glossy. Throughout the investigation, Troopers learned that the Volvo was unregistered and did not have minimum insurance coverage.


Based on the offenses Armstrong had already committed, she was arrested and transported to Troop E for processing. During processing, Armstrong was requested to submitted to the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Armstrong willingly agreed to perform the tests, which were ultimately not performed to standard. Armstrong was charged with the following violations:


C.G.S. 14-12(a)*; Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle


C.G.S. 14-213b; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle without Minimum Insurance


C.G.S. 14-219(c)(1); Speeding


C.G.S. 14-222; Reckless Driving


C.G.S. 14-223(b)**; Engaging Police in Pursuit


C.G.S. 14-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs


C.G.S. 14-236; Failure to Drive in Proper Lane


C.G.S. 14-240(b; Following too Closely


Chemical breath testing conducted during processing revealed that Armstrong's blood alcohol content was over three times the legal limit. Armstrong was held on a $2,500 cash/surety bond and was scheduled for arraignment at Norwich Superior Court on 10/21/2024.



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