Police: A Former Officer Tails a Drunk Driver

A former police officer traveling behind a 2008 Nissan Frontier, driving erratically as it headed into Monroe from Route 34 on Sept. 7, called the Monroe Police Department at 10:14 p.m. and stayed in touch with the dispatcher until Monroe officers caught up to the Nissan just over Stevenson Dam into Oxford, according to the police report.

Police said the Monroe officers saw the Nissan cross over the double yellow line before initiating a stop.

The driver, Michael Omara, 66, of Housatonic Terrace in Seymour, had the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on him and glassy, bloodshot eyes, and told officers he had had three beers earlier, according to police.

Field sobriety tests determined Omara was under the influence, leading to his arrest and at police headquarters he told officers he was unable to participate in the breathalyzer test due to breathing problems, according to the report. Police said that was interpreted as "refusal by conduct".

Omara was charged with DUI and failure to drive in the proper lane and released on $500 bond for a Sept. 17 court date.

Police Lt. Brian McCauley said the former officer, who had stayed behind Omara, had not worked in Monroe.