The main problem with DUI offenders, is that they have a drinking problem. Unless they treat the problem, it is only to be expected that they will be back on the road, drinking and driving. This was the case with Hartford firefighter Jeffrey Vendetta.
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Dangerous Driving
The Hartford firefighter was intoxicated and crashed his car into a parked car at Interstate 84 on-ramp, on Thursday night at 9:37 pm. To add insult to injury, the intoxicated firefighter then fled the accident scene without helping the injured driver. Police personnel who reached the scene found the damaged car and an injured driver, who was complaining of neck pain.
A Fleeing Fool
However, Vendetta was nowhere to be seen. Police personnel were lucky enough to find a witness who stepped forward with his impression of the event. The same witness also followed Vendetta’s car, and caught up with it at Brickyard Road and Route 4. While the witness was following the car, he also called the police and police personnel caught up with Vendetta. With the help of the witness, police investigators were able to pull over the driver. On further investigation, it was found that the car belonged to Vendetta. The witness was able to identify Vendetta and officers took him into custody.
From Hero to Villian
A breathalyzer test showed that Vendetta has a blood alcohol level of .2368. A repeat test was administered and the second reading was .2362. This was more than three times the legal limit of .08 and Vendetta was immediately charged with driving under the influence and taken into custody. As he had escaped the scene of the crime, he was also charged with evading responsibility, using restricted turns, and following too close.
Repeat Offense?
As we already know, repeat offenses are common with DUIs and Vendetta was no different. A quick search by police personnel showed that Vendetta had two DUIs offenses already.
According to police records, in 2006, Vendetta hit a parked car and passed out behind the wheels. Police personnel found him unconscious and smelling of alcohol. He refused a breath test but admitted he had been drinking. He was charged with a six month suspended jail sentence and 18 months of probation.
Similarly, Vendetta was previously arrested in 2001 and charged with a DUI. His accident attorney Hartford CT firm sealed the records about this offense and no records are available.
According to the State DMV, Vendetta has a commercial driver’s license and is legally allowed to drive Tower Ladder 6. However, if he is found guilty of the DUI, his license will be revoked permanently.
Vendetta is the son of a retired Hartford fire captain and the nephew of a fire chief in another county. He has more than 20 years of experience in firefighting, but this incident has resulted in him being put on administrative leave with pay. He has hired a local accident attorney Hartford CT firm to help with his case which will come up on November 19th at the Hartford Superior Court. He is currently out on bond.