State Representative Victor Cuevas, of Waterbury, have been charged with driving under the influence after a crash on Interstate 84 on Wednesday night.
Cuevas was driving east on I-84 near Exit 25 in Waterbury when he hit the car in front of him as it slowed down for traffic, according to state police.
Troopers suspected Cuevas was under the influence and asked him to perform a field sobriety test, which he failed, police said.
He was arrested and taken to the state police barracks in Southbury where he refused to take a breathalyzer test, according to police.
Cuevas, a Democrat who represents the 75th District in Waterbury, was charged with operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol and released on a $500 bond.
House Speaker Brendan Sharkey stripped Cuevas of a leadership role on Thursday.
"Though all of the details of the incident are unclear at this time, in light of the seriousness of the charge, I am removing Rep. Cuevas from his leadership responsibilities as vice-chair of the Labor & Public Employees Committee," Sharkey said in a statement. "Victor understands that he needs to take the appropriate steps to resolve this matter, while continuing to serve and represent his constituents."
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According to his House Democratic bio page, Cuevas is also the recreational director for the City of Waterbury.
A spokesperson for the city said Cuevas does not hold that position, but is recreational director at the River Baldwin Recreation Center in Waterbury.
NBC Connecticut has reached out to Cuevas for a comment on his arrest, but he has not responded. A crew also went to the address listed on the arrest report on Thursday night, but people at the multi-family house asked us to leave.
