State Rep. Comey arrested, charged with OUI after crash near state capitol

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A Connecticut state representative was arrested for operating under the influence following a crash near the state capitol.

Rep. Robin Comey, a Democrat from Branford who represents the state’s 102nd District, was arrested Thursday night in Hartford.

Rep. Robin Comey, (D) Branford.(housedems.ct.gov)

Officials said the 55-year-old was charged around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

This incident occurred not too long after representative Comey voted at a public hearing. After that hearing, Comey went to a nearby bar where she was with other state lawmakers.

She crashed her car into a dumpster just a few doors down from the bar.

One of the lawmakers told Channel 3 that Comey had seemed fine.

House speaker Rep. Matt Ritter released a statement on Friday morning in which he said he removed Comey from all committee and leadership assignments.

Comey released a statement Saturday apologizing to her constituents and colleagues for her arrest. In a statement, Comey says she will begin treatment.

“I want to apologize to my constituents, my colleagues in the CT General Assembly, my family and friends for my DUI arrest on Thursday night. After much reflection and with the support of my family, starting today, I will begin treatment to better understand the disease that is addiction and to get the help I recognize I need.
I am deeply grateful in advance to everyone for giving me the time and support I need.”
State Representative Robin Comey

Hartford police released their arrest report late Friday morning.

Police said someone called them after they noticed the vehicle upside down. The car belongs to Comey.

“I go up to see and I saw an overturned car,” said Kiersten Blandon, an eyewitness. “I actually got footage of them pulling her out of the car.”

In the video, a man can be seen pulling Comey out of her car.

“It’s sad to see someone you are supposed to look up to and is making decisions on behalf of the public doing something so reckless. It’s sad she would put someone else in danger and herself,” said Kiersten.

The police report said she was drunk and “reeked of alcoholic beverages.” It also said she could not stay focused when they spoke with her.

Police said she refused to take a standardized field sobriety test at first, but then agreed. Afterward, she was handcuffed and arrested.

“It’s really tragic, obviously really dangerous,” said Sen. Chris Murphy. “I know Rep. Comey well and I hope she gets the help she needs. Obviously the judicial process will wind its way forward.”

Channel 3 reached out to Comey’s attorney, but hadn’t heard back as of noon on Friday.

It was not the first time Comey has received negative attention.

In June of 2021, she was one of several lawmakers who were warned about their behavior at the Capitol after she slurred her words on the state House of Representatives floor.

Back then, Comey apologized.

“I suddenly and unexpectedly began to feel unwell,” Comey said in 2021. “This was due to several factors, including anxiety, exhaustion, and regrettably, the wine I had with dinner.”

Branford residents spoke out after Comey’s second incident involving drinking

The people Comey represented in Branford voiced concerns after the state representative failed two sobriety tests following a car crash, leaving her car upside down.

Dimitri from Branford said, “for a representative to be getting a DUI like that and representing our state, I don’t think it’s right.”

During her first time under scrutiny in regard to drinking, Comey released a statement shortly after her behavior at the Capitol.

Her statement referenced anxiety, exhaustion, and regrettably, the wine she had with dinner, played a roll in her not feeling well.

“It’s just a question of how much the public can really tolerate after a while,” said Rick Grossman from Branford.

The Thursday night drunk driving incident had residents feeling both sorry and angry at Comey.

“Everybody has their flaws; everybody has their vices, and I don’t think people should be condemned for those vices. If she’s willing to get help and move on from there. Maybe this is a wakeup call for her, and she’ll do something about it,” said Shawne Lumpkin.

Dimitri said, “if you’re going to do that, don’t be in politics.”

Many residents had also expressed their opinion on whether or not they think Rep. Comey should resign.

“Do I think the person should resign? Yes. Just from the standpoint of you’re trying to set an example for younger people, whatever the case may be. Do I expect her to resign? No.”

As of this moment, House speaker Rep. Matt Ritter released a statement this morning saying he removed her from all committee and leadership assignments.

This is a developing story. Follow Channel 3 to get the latest updates.