Crime & Safety
Connecticut Wrong-Way DUI Crash on Route 8 Leads to Arrest
Torrington, CT — A wrong way crash on Route 8 in Torrington, Connecticut, Sunday afternoon led to the arrest of a 27 year old driver after state police said his vehicle traveled against traffic and co
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-12T15:44:54.326Z
Torrington, CT — A wrong way crash on Route 8 in Torrington, Connecticut, Sunday afternoon led to the arrest of a 27 year old driver after state police said his vehicle traveled against traffic and collided with another car in the highway's northbound lanes.
According to Connecticut State Police Troop B, troopers responded around 3:50 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, to reports of a wrong way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 8 near Exit 51 in Torrington, Litchfield County.
Investigators identified the driver as Darwin Perez Toalongo, 27, of Torrington, who was operating a 2017 Chevrolet Trax.
Police said a 2019 Kia Optima was traveling northbound in the center of three lanes when its driver encountered the approaching Chevrolet.
The Kia driver reportedly attempted to avoid the wrong way vehicle by swerving into the left lane. Despite that maneuver, the Chevrolet allegedly sideswiped the Kia.
Both vehicles sustained damage and were removed from the scene by Merli's Towing.
State police records contain differing injury information. The crash summary lists no apparent injuries among the two drivers and one passenger, while the accompanying criminal information summary states that minor injuries were reported. Neither document indicates anyone was transported to a hospital.
Following the collision, troopers suspected Perez Toalongo was operating under the influence of alcohol.
According to investigators, he underwent standardized field sobriety testing and allegedly failed the tests. Perez Toalongo was subsequently arrested and charged with operating under the influence, reckless driving and driving the wrong way on a divided highway.
Police said he was processed at the Western District headquarters and released on a $5,000 nonsurety bond.
He is scheduled to appear in Torrington Superior Court on Friday, Oct. 23, at 9 a.m.
The charges are allegations, and Perez Toalongo is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.