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State Rep. Comey apologizes after DUI arrest

House Speaker Matt Ritter said Friday morning he is removing Comey from all committee and leadership assignments in the legislature "until further notice."

HARTFORD, Conn. — State Rep. Robin Comey of Branford released a statement on Saturday to apologize for her arrest on Thursday night following a rollover crash on Capitol Avenue in Hartford.

Comey provided this statement to the public:

"I want to apologize to my constituents, my colleagues in the CT General Assembly, my family and friends for my DUI arrest on Thursday night. After much reflection and with the support of my family, starting today, I will begin treatment to better understand the disease that is addiction and to get help I recognize I need. I am deeply grateful in advance to everyone for giving me the time and support I need."

House Democrats confirmed Comey was involved in the crash and was taken into Hartford police custody Thursday evening.

Police sources say she was charged with driving under the influence; however, no official release has been issued by the department with formal charges at this time.

The crash happened between Lawrence St. and Babcock St., just a little over two blocks from the Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol Complex. The car involved appeared to hit at least one parked vehicle before landing on its roof.

Several Good Samaritans were seen rushing to help Rep. Comey out of her overturned vehicle seconds after it flipped. 

One of them was the owner of the Red Carpet Barber Salon. 

"She was thinking about leaving the scene. Like she was going to leave the scene and we were like just have a seat until the professionals get here," said Michael James, owner of Red Carpet Barber Salon.

The car involved had Comey's state legislative license plate indicating her 102nd House district. A FOX61 crew witnessed the aftermath of the crash. Rep. Comey is seen on three sobriety tests, all of which she failed. The test is halted, and Comey is then handcuffed. 

A resident of the Capitol Lofts complex arrived at the scene minutes after it happened. She told FOX61 she saw the aftermath. 

"We witnessed her taking all of her tests. She was visibly stumbling, unable to stand … well she was able to stand but lacked balance," said Amber Binford of Hartford. 

Another resident at the complex took cell phone video of the Good Samaritans helping Rep. Comey out of her overturned vehicle and first responders rushing to the scene. 

The police report stated Rep. Comey reluctantly provided two breath samples. Her blood alcohol content was 0.1446 for the first sample and 0.1400 for the second sample. 

"People are dealing with a lot of battles, so I don’t judge her. It’s human suffering. It happens," added James. 

The report added Rep. Comey told officers she was coming from a restaurant, but could not state which one. She also said she was headed home to Branford which from Hartford, would have been a 50-minute drive. 

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said Friday morning he is removing Comey from all committee and leadership assignments in the legislature "until further notice."

"This was an extremely dangerous situation and somebody could have been seriously injured, including Rep. Comey. I want to thank Hartford Police for their quick response," Ritter said. "My immediate reaction is to think about Rep. Comey’s next steps. I hope she focuses on her health and well-being and I know that her friends and colleagues will support her in any way we can."

House Minority Leader Rep. Vincent Candelora also released a statement Friday, saying, “While I’m thankful that Representative Comey didn’t hurt anyone else or herself in this crash, the stark reality is that this incident could have easily been devastating for her and anyone else on the road last night. I wish her well in any endeavor to seek help as she reflects on the seriousness of what transpired.”

Comey is a Democratic representative and member of the House leadership, serving as Assistant Majority Whip, a position typically charged with gathering and counting votes on various bills.

In June of 2021, as COVID-19 protocols kept the Capitol closed to the public, Ritter admonished members for alcohol consumption -- prompted in part by an incident involving Comey.

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Video of a debate on the House floor that year showed Rep. Comey, a democrat who represents Branford, appearing to have a difficult time speaking.

She issued a statement afterward that read in part:

"I would like to sincerely apologize for my behavior last Thursday night. That evening, while speaking on H.B. 6558, I suddenly and unexpectedly began to feel unwell. This was due to several factors, including anxiety, exhaustion, and, regrettably, the wine I had with dinner. In an abundance of caution, I did not drive home and remained in Hartford until the following morning. This type of behavior is not typical for me. I take full responsibility for my error in judgement [sic]."

Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Daniel Dashefsky is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at ddashefsky@fox61.com.

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