The Waterbury Times|Published Jan 7, 2026

WATERBURY — A Waterbury man was arrested early Wednesday morning following a single-vehicle motor vehicle accident that resulted in significant property damage but no injuries.

According to police, at approximately 1:45 a.m. on January 7, 2026, Waterbury Patrol Officers responded to the area of 1021 Pearl Lake Road for reports of a crash. Upon arrival, officers determined that the operator of a Jeep Grand Cherokee had lost control of the vehicle, struck a utility pole, and then collided with the residential structure at that address.

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Police said neither the vehicle operator nor the occupants of the home were injured. The residence was later deemed structurally safe. The utility pole sustained heavy damage and required immediate service.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Jose Martinez, 30, of Waterbury. Officers reported observing signs of impairment and conducted field sobriety tests, which Martinez failed. He was taken into custody on suspicion of operating under the influence.

Martinez later submitted to blood alcohol concentration testing and registered a BAC of 0.23, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08, police said.

Martinez was charged with:

• Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol
• Failure to Maintain Lane
• Reckless Driving
• Traveling Too Fast for Conditions

Police said Martinez was unable to post bond and was presented in court at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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The incident remains under investigation.

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