Man arrested on DUI charge in Waterbury

WATERBURY, CT — A man crashed into a utility pole and house early Thursday while driving under the influence, police said.

Patrol officers responded to 1021 Pearl Lake Road at 1:45 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2026, for reports of a single-car crash.

Officers observed that the operator of a Jeep Grand Cherokee had lost control of his vehicle, collided into a utility pole and subsequently struck the residential structure.

Neither the operator nor individuals inside the home were injured during the crash.

The structure was deemed safe.

The utility pole received heavy damage and required immediate service.

The operator and sole occupant of the Jeep was identified as Jose Martinez, 30, of Waterbury.

Officers observed signs that Martinez was operating under the influence.

Officers conducted several field sobriety tests, all of which Martinez failed.

Martinez underwent blood alcohol concentration testing and registered a BAC of 0.23, which is above the legal limit of 0.08.

Martinez was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and traveling too fast for conditions.