Off-duty state trooper charged with DUI

ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP) - An off-duty Massachusetts state trooper was charged early this morning with operating under the influence and marked lanes violation in Enfield, Conn.

At 12:51 a.m., an Enfield patrolman came across a 2002 Cadillac Escalade off the road on Taylor Road, near Shaker Road. There was no damage to the vehicle and no sign of a crash. The driver was not injured.

The Enfield officer observed the Escalade's male driver, the only occupant, passed out or sleeping inside the vehicle. A partol supervisor also responded to the scene, and the officers administered field sobriety tests to the driver. Upon completion of the tests, they formed the opinion that the driver was impaired and placed him under arrest. He posted $500 cash bail at the Enfield Police station and was picked up by a friend.

The driver is identified as Daniel Sheehan, 46. He is a state trooper assigned to the Russell Barracks. He graduated from the State Police Academy in 2002. He has been relieved of duty and will receive a duty status hearing during the coming week. At that hearing, he could potentially have his duty status altered for the pendancy of his criminal case.

He is scheduled to appear for arraignment in a Connecticut courtroom on the charges on July 30. The State Police Internal Affairs Section will monitor the court proceedings.

Massachusetts State Police will have no further comment at this time.