State Rep Arrested On DUI Charge In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A man observed sleeping behind the wheel of his vehicle in the middle of New Park Avenue Wednesday turned out to be a state representative from the 20th House District. Joseph Verrengia, 55, was arrested after police responded to multiple 911 calls.

Around 4:57 p.m., police received three 911 calls regarding a driver appearing to be asleep at the wheel of his stopped vehicle in the southbound lane on New Park Avenue. Complainants provided a description of the person and vehicle, including a license plate, and the driver then resumed traveling southbound, Capt. Michael Perruccio said.

The registration showed the owner lived on Colonial Street in West Hartford. Responding officers were nearby, located the vehicle driving south on Colonial Street, observed the driver park at the address, and saw the operator exit the car, Perruccio said.

After an investigation, Verrengia was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs/alcohol, Perruccio said.

Verrengia, a retired police officer with 25 years experience with the West Hartford Police Department, has served the 20th District for six years. He chairs the Public Safety Committee and also serves on the Transportation and Energy and Technology Committees, according to his biography on housedems.ct.gov.