Redding Man Triggers 3-Car Crash In Wilton

WILTON, CT — A man who triggered a three-car crash said that he had someone who had not been drinking blow into the interlock ignition device of his pick-up truck to start the engine. The motorist is required to use the device to start his vehicle as a result of a previous DUI conviction, according to police.

Wilson Puente, 57, of Redding, crashed his 2015 Toyota Tundra into the rear of 2012 Ford F-150, driven by a Newtown man. The crash pushed the Ford into the rear of a 2015 Subaru Legacy, driven by a Brookfield man. The Ford and the Subaru were both stopped at a red light in the right northbound lane of Route 7 at Station Road, shortly before 7 p.m. on Monday.

Puente told police that he was talking on his cell phone and did not notice the cars came to a stop. During the investigation, the officer noticed that Puente's eyes were blood shot and glassy, according to the police report.

"I asked him about alcohol consumption and he admitted to drinking to two beers before driving," Officer Eric K. Patenaude said in the report.

Puente passed a standard field sobriety test, and police say he was not intoxicated. He was charged with following too close/causing an accident, driving while using a hand-held device, driving while suspended, and defeating an IID. He is scheduled to appear before Norwalk Superior Court on July 1.