Troopers Investigate Report of Erratic Driver on I-84 in Tolland

On April 1, 2023, at approximately 1:19 AM, Troop C in Tolland received reports of a vehicle operating erratically, without its headlights illuminated, on I-84 westbound in the area of Exit 68, in Tolland. A nearby trooper quickly located the vehicle, a silver Kia displaying a Florida registration operating without its lights illuminated. The trooper began following the Kia and observed it to be swerving across the travel lanes and right shoulder, before narrowly avoiding a collision with the adjacent metal beam guardrail. Based upon these observations, the trooper initiated a traffic stop by activating their cruiser’s emergency lights and siren. The Kia continued traveling erratically, at a slow speed, before eventually coming to a stop in the right shoulder prior to Exit 67. During interactions with the male operator of the Kia, identified as Michele Valeri DOB, 04/04/1990, of Quincy, Massachusetts, troopers observed that he was exhibiting signs of possible impairment. Valeri agreed to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests which were not performed to standard. As a result of the on-scene investigation, Valeri was taken into custody and transported to Troop C where he was processed and charged with the following:

C.G.S. 14-220(a), Operating a Motor Vehicle at Too Slow a Speed

C.G.S. 14-223(a), Disobeying Signal of an Officer

C.G.S. 14-227a, Operation Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol

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

C.G.S. 14-96a(a), Failure to Display Lights

Valeri later was released on a $1,000.00 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment on 04/18/2023, at Rockville Superior Court.

As always, we encourage motorists to call 9-1-1 if they observe a vehicle traveling in an erratic manner or other hazards posing a danger to the public. Help us to keep Connecticut’s roadways safe. If you see something, say something.