Troopers Investigate Wrong-Way Driver in Hartford, Three Taken into Custody

On 04/22/2024, at approximately 10:35 p.m., Troopers assigned to Troop H Hartford were responding to I-84 eastbound in the area of Exit 46 in Hartford for a report of a collision. 

A responding Trooper entering I-84 eastbound via the Exit 44 entrance ramp observed a silver Jeep Compass traveling westbound in the eastbound travel lanes. The Trooper then observed the Jeep travel off the roadway into a grassy area, where it turned around to face east. Based upon these observations, the Trooper initiated a motor vehicle stop.

While interacting with the Jeep operator, identified as Brenda Crespo, DOB 04/26/1989, of East Hartford, it was learned that the vehicle’s registration had expired. When asked, Brenda Crespo was unable to provide proof that the vehicle was properly insured. An empty bottle, consistent in appearance with an alcoholic beverage container, was visible within the Jeep.

Additional Troopers arrived at the scene to assist with the investigation and Brenda Crespo was asked to exit the vehicle to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Once Brenda Crespo exited the vehicle, the front passenger of the Jeep, identified as Esmeralda Crespo, DOB 12/08/1991, of Bristol, also exited the vehicle and refused to return to the Jeep when directed to do so.

Brenda Crespo and Esmeralda Crespo ignored further instructions given by Troopers, and began actively interfering with the investigation. Both Brenda Crespo and Esmeralda Crespo became combative and resisted as Troopers worked to secure them in handcuffs. Once secured, Brenda Crespo and Esmerelda Crespo were escorted to separate State Police cruisers for the purposes of transporting them to Troop H for arrest processing.

Esmerelda Crespo actively resisted efforts of Troopers to place her inside of a cruiser by grasping onto the vehicle and refusing to move her legs into the interior of the cruiser. OC spray (Oleoresin capsicum) was deployed, which successfully gained Esmerelda Crespo’s compliance and she was secured in the cruiser for transport.

A rear passenger of the Jeep, later identified as Jennifer Crespo, DOB 05/25/1998, of Hartford, approached Troopers, began interfering with the investigation and was also taken into custody. At this time, Brenda Crespo, who had been secured inside of a cruiser, managed to exit the cruiser and again interfered with investigating Troopers.

Once secured in separate cruisers, Brenda Crespo, Esmeralda Crespo and Jennifer Crespo were transported to Troop H for arrest processing. 

EMS was requested to respond to Troop H for reports of minor injuries. Each of the arrested parties were transported to area medical facilities where they were evaluated and later released.

Brenda Crespo was processed and charged with the following violations:

C.G.S. 14-237, Driving the Wrong Way on a Divided Highway

C.G.S. 14-12(a), Failure to Renew Registration

C.G.S. 14-13, Failure to Carry Registration/ Insurance Card

C.G.S. CGS 53a-167a, Interfering/ Resisting

C.G.S. 53a-171, Escape from Custody

Brenda Crespo was held on a $50,000 cash/surety bond and transferred to Hartford Superior Court for arraignment on 04/23/2024.

Brenda Crespo:

Esmeralda Crespo was processed and charged with the following violations:

C.G.S. 53a-167a, Interfering/ Resisting

Esmeralda Crespo was held on a $20,000 cash/surety bond and transferred to Hartford Superior Court for arraignment on 04/23/2024.

Esmeralda Crespo:

Jennifer Crespo was processed and charged with the following violations:

C.G.S. 53a-167a, Interfering/ Resisting

C.G.S. 14- 217, Refusal to Identify

Jennifer Crespo was held on a $20,000 cash/surety bond and transferred to Hartford Superior Court for arraignment on 04/23/2024.

Jennifer Crespo: