East Hartford, CT – A two-car collision on the Exit 58 off-ramp of Interstate 84 Eastbound led to the arrest of an East Hartford woman Monday, Feb. 24, after state troopers determined she was under the influence of narcotics while driving with her two-year-old child in the vehicle.
The Connecticut State Police identified the at-fault driver as Elizabeth Burnham, 35, who admitted to using crack cocaine before getting behind the wheel.
The crash, reported at 10:13 a.m., was a rear-end collision, and while no injuries were recorded, troopers quickly noticed Burnham exhibiting slurred speech and sluggish movement, clear signs of intoxication.
Burnham failed a field sobriety test at the scene and was immediately taken into custody.
Officials confirmed that a subsequent search of her vehicle revealed suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, and a glass pipe. Law enforcement seized the substances and paraphernalia as evidence before having the vehicle towed.
The Department of Children and Families was notified, and a family member took custody of the child.
Burnham was transported to State Police Troop H headquarters, where she was booked on multiple charges, including operating under the influence, failure to drive at a reasonable distance, use of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and risk of injury to a minor.
Burnham was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court on Monday, March 17.
State police continue to investigate.
