A UConn chemistry professor, who has been on paid administrative leave from the university since a December alcohol related rest, is back in hot water with the law. Today, Gabriel Fenteany, 47, was arraigned on charges of alleged driving under the influence and assaulting a police officer.
Fenteany was stopped Saturday night at approximately 8:30 by Vernon police.
“A vehicle did not signal a turn on Route 30, so an officer stopped the vehicle and could smell the odor of alcohol on the operator,” said Lt. William Meier, a Vernon police spokesperson. “The officer administered a field sobriety test, which the operator failed.”
The police report indicates Fenteany’s blood alcohol level was below the legal limit, but, he was charged with DUI because he declined cops request to submit a urine sample, admitting he had a bunch of drugs in his system.
“The fact that he’s continuing to commit crimes, alcohol related crimes, while he’s under probation’s supervision, is troubling at best,” said Cynthia Baer, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney.
Fenteany was also arraigned today on a charge stemming from an alleged assault of a Vernon police officer making a well-being check on him on May 10.
Vernon Police showed up Fenteany’s apartment after a friend, out of state, called dispatch and said he was threatening suicide, which is nothing new to Vernon PD, who’s responded to his address six times in the last year on suicide calls.
“When the officers entered his home, he became combative with the officers, kicked one of the officers, spit on the officer,” added Meier.
The police report also says Fenteany directed a racial slur at that same officer. A judge set bond at $100,000 on the assault charge and $25,000 for the DUI.
UConn says Fenteany, who earns $97,600 annually, is not permitted to be on any of the university’s campuses. He is due back in court on July 15.