State Senator Andrew Maynard, who was badly injured in a fall in 2014, suffered a "breakthrough seizure" before getting into a car crash in Waterford last month and will not be charged, police said during a news conference on Tuesday morning.
Police said Maynard was on the southbound side of Route 32 in Waterford around 3:31 p.m. on Jan. 14 when his car hit the jersey barrier, crossed through the Scotch Cap Road intersection, hit another car on the northbound side of the road, then hit a telephone pole guard wire, which spun his car.
Maynard was unconscious at the scene, police said.
Witnesses at the scene said Maynard was having a medical problem and medical records show he suffered a "breakthough seizure" at the time of the crash, police said.
Investigators never performed field sobriety tests because there was no indication that alcohol was involved and said medical records show no alcohol in Maynard's blood and said no drugs were listed.
Because there were no life-threatening injuries, police did not conduct an accident reconstruction, but said their investigating into the crash was extensive because of the political ramifications and public scrutiny.
Police said Maynard was able to communicate, with words and gestures, about what happened when they spoke to him about the crash, but he did not recall any details of the accident.
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"The Waterford Police Department was and is focused on the accident itself," Chief Brett Mahoney said on Tuesday."I am proud of the numerous officer hours that went into this accident investigation and consider it resolved."
The crash happened a year and a half after Maynard was badly hurt when he fell from an outdoor staircase at his home in Stonington, hitting his head.
After the fall, he underwent physical and occupational therapy to work on his balance, strengthen his right arm and improve the use of his right hand, according to a statement that came out at the time of the incident.
"Senator Maynard thanks the Waterford Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding his January 14th accident. He is pleased that the State’s Attorney concluded that criminal prosecution was not warranted, as the accident was caused by an unfortunate medical emergency. He looks forward to continuing his work in the State Senate and finishing out the remainder of his term," Maynard's attorney said in a statement.
Maynard, who is serving his fifth term in the Connecticut General Assembly, has decided not to run for reelection in Novembers.
“It has been an honor to serve in the Senate on behalf of my neighbors and the people of the 18th District,” Senator Maynard said in a statement. “I want to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes, and I am grateful to live in such a beautiful and supportive community. I have made the decision to not seek reelection. There is much work to do this legislative session, and I am committed to continuing to work to create jobs, grow the economy and balance our budget.”
