Police receive multiple calls about 1-95 wrong way driver in Darien

Connecticut State Police report that today, Monday, December 15 at approximately 12:48 am, they received numerous calls regarding a vehicle that was driving the wrong way on 1-95. The vehicle, a 2016 Audi operated by 26-year-old Darien resident Ashton Steen, was traveling at a high rate of speed going northbound in the southbound lane, police said.

According to police, there were numerous "near misses".

"Trooper Santiago headed toward the area and was able to able to observe the suspect vehicle coming at him in the area of the exit 12 on-ramp in Darien," said police. While Stantiago was able to avoid a head-on collision with the vehicle, it struck his cruiser in a sideswipe manner, sustaining heavy damage, said police. The Audi, which sustained disabling damage, came to a rest in the left lane. 

According to police, Trooper Santiago made contact with Steen and established that she was not injured. She admitted to consuming alcohol and believed she was in New Jersey. After failing field sobriety tests, Steen was taken into custody and transported to Troop G for processing. 

Steen was charged with Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, Driving the wrong way and DUI.

She was released after posting a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Stamford court on February 20.