K9 Tracks Torrington Man Into Woods After New Hartford Crash as Troopers File DUI Charge

By Tiffany Williams –

NEW HARTFORD, Conn. — A Hyundai slammed into a utility pole, snapped it at the base and was left behind as its driver walked away, according to Connecticut State Police. A police K9 later tracked David Allan Peck of Torrington into a wooded area, ending a search that led to charges of driving under the influence, evading responsibility and using a cellphone while driving.

Troop B in North Canaan was notified of the single-car collision on Whitbeck Road near Knollwood Drive at approximately 3:59 p.m. October 5. While troopers were responding, a witness called dispatch and reported that the male driver was walking south on Whitbeck Road, away from the crash. The witness supplied a clothing description and said he was last seen entering the woods.

At the scene, troopers found a blue Hyundai Elantra with Connecticut registration that had struck the utility pole. Inside the vehicle, they observed several empty containers consistent with alcoholic beverage containers. A registration check showed the vehicle belonged to someone with a Torrington address.

Dispatchers contacted the registered owner, who identified Peck as the person in possession of the Hyundai. Troopers searched surrounding neighborhoods while waiting for a state police K9 team, but did not locate the driver. Trooper Houle of Troop L then arrived with K9 Onyx and began a track into the wooded area.

The team located Peck a short time later and escorted him back to the collision scene. Troopers offered him medical attention, which he declined. According to state police, Peck told investigators he had been using his cellphone before striking the pole and said he was nervous and unsure what to do after the collision.

Troopers reported detecting the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Peck and observing other signs of possible impairment. They asked him to participate in standardized field sobriety tests, but he declined. Based on the investigation and his statements, troopers took him into custody.

Peck was transported to the Torrington Police Department for processing. He was charged with driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane, evading responsibility and using a cellular device while driving a vehicle.

He was later released on a $10,000 non-surety bond. His court appearance is scheduled for October 19 at Torrington Superior Court. The charges remain allegations, and Peck is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.