Driver of Car Wrecked In I-84 Clash With Truck Facing 6 Charges

TOLLAND, CT — The 20-year-old driver of a Mercedes Benz that tangled with a tractor-trailer on a hilly stretch of Interstate-84 this week has been charged with speeding and driving under the influence, a state police report indicates. He is facing a half-dozen charges in all, state police said.

The crash took place at 5:50 p.m. on the eastbound side of the highway, between exits 67 and 68, state police said.

According to a crash report, a 2016 Freightliner driven by a 54-year-old Waterbury man was in the center lane. A Mercedes-Benz E550 driven by 20-year-old Manchester resident Deon James came up to the truck at an estimated 85 mph on the right and hit it while trying to cross lanes, according to a report.

The truck was able to stop on the right shoulder, but the Mercedes spun out in a wrecked heap in the left and center lanes, according to a report.

Both drivers and a 20-year-old passenger in the Mercedes avoided serious injury, according to a report.

James did not avoid charges, state police said.

An arrest report shows he was charged with reckless driving, possession of alcohol by a minor while on a public highway, driving under the influence, failure to maintain the proper lane, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of less than a half-ounce of cannabis.