Impaired driver strikes state police cruiser on I-95 in East Haven

EAST HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - A state police cruiser was struck by an intoxicated driver early Friday morning in East Haven, officials confirmed.

After a preliminary investigation, troopers said the driver who struck the cruiser was identified as Thomas A. Larivee, 32, of East Lyme.

Thomas Larivee was charged with operating under the influence and following too close after... — Thomas Larivee was charged with operating under the influence and following too close after state police said he hit one of their cruisers on I-95 in East Haven on March 31.(Connecticut State Police)

State police said a trooper was helping a disabled vehicle on Interstate 95 around 12:30 a.m. when the trooper’s cruiser was hit by a passing vehicle. The cruiser was stationary in the right lane of three.

Larivee hit the back of the cruiser near exit 52. The collision caused the cruiser to collide with the rear of the disabled vehicle.

Larivee was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The trooper was not hurt, and the cruiser was unoccupied at the time of the collision.

State police released body cam footage of the incident:

A state police cruiser was struck by an intoxicated driver early Friday morning in East Haven, officials confirmed.

Officials said Larivee was later charged with operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and following too closely. They said he showed visible signs of impairment following the crash.

He was released on a $500 non-surety bond and scheduled for arraignment at New Haven Superior Court on April 13.

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