On January 15, 2018 at approximately 12:40 a.m., troopers from Troop G-Bridgeport were notified of a wrong-way driver traveling I-95 in the area of exit 6 in Stamford. The wrong-way driver was reportedly traveling northbound in the southbound lanes.
With the assistance of DOT highway cameras, troopers located and observed the vehicle, a 2016 Audi, being operated at a high rate of speed in the left and center lanes northbound on the southbound side of I-95. There was moderate traffic on the highway and troopers observed the Audi nearly hit several vehicles.
Troopers responded to the area and slowed southbound traffic while one trooper continued driving southbound on I-95 with his cruiser emergency lights and siren activated. The trooper drove back and forth across the highway lanes in an attempt to get the attention of the Audi operator.
The trooper saw the Audi approaching him traveling northbound in the southbound left lane in the area of exit 12 in Stamford, however, despite the cruiser having its emergency lights and siren activated, the Audi operator did not reduce speed, yield to the emergency vehicle or stop.
As the Audi continued to approach, the trooper moved closer in another attempt to get the operator’s attention. The operator still continued traveling, therefore the trooper made the decision to use his cruiser to stop the wrong-way driver.
The Audi and cruiser sideswiped disabling both vehicles. The trooper was not injured and was able to exit his cruiser. The Audi operator, Ashton Steen, was not injured either. As troopers spoke with Steen, they determined she was under the influence of alcohol. Steen also stated that she had been consuming alcohol and believed she was in New Jersey.
Steen failed a series of field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. Ashton Steen (dob 8/30/91) of Darien was charged with Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol and Operating the Wrong Way. Steen was released after posting $10,000.00 bond and scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on February 20, 2018.
