A 24-year-old Connecticut state trooper now faces serious charges after allegedly driving a marked cruiser while intoxicated and crashing in Southington on Halloween night.
The incident, which caused property damage and possible misuse of a state vehicle, has sparked concern from residents from Hartford to New Haven. People are asking tough questions about accountability and oversight within the Connecticut State Police.
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now
Off-Duty Trooper Accused of Drunk Driving in Southington
Investigators say Trooper Jacob Drechsler was off duty when the crash happened around 10:30 p.m. on October 31 along Flanders Road in Southington.
Even though he was off the clock, he sat behind the wheel of a state police cruiser at the time.
Neighbors in Southington, and in nearby towns like Berlin and Bristol, expressed surprise that an off-duty trooper would use a cruiser like this.
It’s especially jarring on a busy Halloween night, with so many families and kids out and about.
Crash Details: Mailboxes and Fire Hydrant Damaged
Investigators say Drechsler drove the cruiser off the road, hitting two mailboxes and a fire hydrant.
The damage along Flanders Road looks like what you’d expect when a vehicle leaves the pavement at speed and loses control.
Luckily, no pedestrians or other drivers from Southington or nearby towns like Cheshire and Meriden were hurt.
Responding officers noticed signs Drechsler might be impaired. Police haven’t listed the exact observations, but they usually look for things like the smell of alcohol, slurred words, or trouble keeping balance.
Drechsler was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, given the state of the vehicle and the crash.
Medical Records and Blood Alcohol Evidence
At the hospital, Drechsler got medical care, but investigators also worked to preserve evidence.
Police obtained a search warrant for his medical records, which has become common in serious suspected OUI cases across Connecticut, from Middletown to Stamford.
Authorities say those records showed an elevated blood alcohol level.
This supported the suspicion that Drechsler was driving under the influence during the Southington crash.
That medical evidence played a big role in the charges he’s now facing.
Charges: OUI and Carrying a Firearm While Intoxicated
The investigation led to Drechsler being charged with:
- Operating under the influence (OUI)
- Carrying a firearm while intoxicated
Since he’s a state trooper, the firearm charge feels especially serious. Troopers are always armed, so the idea that he had his service weapon while allegedly intoxicated raises real safety and policy concerns in law enforcement circles from New Britain to Waterbury.
Arrest, Bond, and Court Appearance
Drechsler turned himself in to authorities the Sunday after the Halloween crash.
That’s a common step when there’s a warrant and arrangements can be made through lawyers or command staff.
He was released on a $25,000 bond, which shows the court considers the charges serious but not enough for pre-trial detention.
Drechsler is due in court on December 29, where prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the judge will start digging into the evidence and figuring out next steps.
Internal Affairs Investigation and Administrative Status
On top of the criminal case, Drechsler is under internal review.
The Connecticut State Police put him on paid administrative duty while Internal Affairs investigates. He’s temporarily off regular patrol or enforcement, but still gets his salary for now.
Internal Affairs will look at the alleged drunk driving, but also whether he followed department rules about using a state-issued cruiser while off duty and armed.
These policy issues echo beyond Southington, with folks in places like West Hartford and Manchester watching to see how state police leadership will respond.
What Comes Next for the Case and the Community
State police officials aren’t sharing more details right now. They point to the ongoing criminal and internal investigations.
The December 29 court date is coming up soon. We’ll probably learn more as public filings and hearings unfold.
This incident really highlights that impaired driving is still a big problem on Connecticut roads. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a small town like Glastonbury or a bigger city like Bridgeport—the issue is everywhere.
Even law enforcement officers face scrutiny when serious allegations come up. Folks across the state are paying close attention to how the case moves forward, both in court and inside the Connecticut State Police.
Here is the source article for this story: State trooper charged with operating under the influence in Halloween night crash in Southington
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
