Fairfield Selectman Charged With DUI in Darien

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Fairfield selectman was recently charged with driving under the influence in Darien, according to police.

Selectman Tom Flynn was taken into custody Feb. 17 after police said they received a report of erratic driving and saw Flynn driving a Toyota Camry and take a turn so wide the car almost hit the sidewalk. Flynn was pulled over about 5:30 p.m. on Center Street, Darien police said in a report.

Flynn’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and he smelled like alcohol, according to police, who said Flynn admitted to drinking earlier in the day. A witness told officers he saw Flynn swerve his car and almost hit a tree, which prompted the witness to call police, police said.

Flynn, 52, of Coral Drive, failed a field sobriety test, according to police. A breathalyzer revealed his blood-alcohol content to be 0.1008, about 0.02 above the legal limit, police said. Flynn was released on $250 bond and is due in court March 22.

In a prepared statement, Flynn, who said he has no plans to resign, cited a medical condition and medication as contributing factors in the incident.

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Flynn said in the statement. “I am sorry to my family and the community for this mistake. I failed to appreciate my medical condition, use of medication and how it could impact me if I consumed alcohol. I have learned a valuable lesson and assure you it will not happen again. I am grateful that no one was injured or any property was damaged in this incident.”

Flynn, a Republican, was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2019. Prior to becoming a selectman, he chaired the Fairfield Board of Finance.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick declined to comment on Flynn's arrest on the grounds it was a private matter.