Connecticut State Police arrest wrong-way driver in Madison

MADISON, Conn. (WLNE) — Connecticut State Police said they arrested a man after multiple calls reported a wrong-way driver on Interstate-95 in Madison.

Authorities said at 3:42 a.m., Monday morning, 82-year-old Paul Usenia was reportedly driving northbound in the southbound lanes when a state trooper attempted to stop him.

Usenia struck the trooper’s cruiser just before coming to a stop, officials said. No injuries were reported to Usenia or the trooper.

During the investigation, Usenia was asked to perform a field sobriety test, which troopers said he declined.

Usenia was then placed under arrest and transported to the Connecticut State Police barracks in Westbrook for holding. He was later released on $500 non-surety bond.

Authorities said Usenia faces the following charges:

• Operating under the influence
• Failiure to maintain lanes
• Reckless driving
• Driving the wrong way on a divided highway

Usenia is expected to be arraigned at New Haven Superior Court in July.