Hamden Officer Hospitalized After Struck By Alleged Drunk Driver

A Hamden Police Officer investigating an accident became a victim herself Sunday when an alleged drunk driver slammed into her cruiser.

At about 2:45 a.m. Sunday morning Officer Jennifer Gaynor of the Hamden Police Department was investigating a motor vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Dixwell Avenue and Benham Street, according to police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith.

She was in her police car with the emergency lights activated when she was hit by a car driven by Thomas Urbinati, 30, of 453 Blohm St., Apt. 3, West Haven, Smith said.

According to Smith, Urbinati was driving north on Dixwell when he "drove directly into the police vehicle." He failed sobriety tests performed at the scene, Smith said, and police determined he was intoxicated. He also was found to be in possession of two Clonazepam pills, which are used to treat seizures and panic disorders.

________________________________________________________________________

Interested in Hamden's news, events, community bulletins, blogs and businesses? Sign up for the free Hamden Patch daily newsletter, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

________________________________________________________________________

After he was taken to police headquarters, Urbinati was administered a breath test, Smith said, and found to be "well over three time the legal limit of .08."

Urbinati was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of narcotics and operating without proof of insurance. He was held in lieu of $5,000 bond and is due to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Nov. 2.

Officer Gaynor was taken to the Hospital of St. Raphael for treatment. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

While at police headquarters, officers administered a breath test. The results revealed that Urbinati was well over 3 times the legal limit of .08.
Officer Gaynor, who was injured in the accident, was transported to the Hospital of Saint Raphael for medical treatment. Her injuries are described as non-life threatening.