A Columbia, Connecticut, elementary school teacher was under the influence when she was involved a crash in Willimantic on Wednesday afternoon that sent two people to the hospital, including a 78-year-old pedestrian, according to police.
Jessica Duers, 44, of Mansfield, was charged with driving under the influence and second-degree assault with a motor vehicle after a crash on West Main Street around noon. Duers has two prior driving under the influence convictions on her record, according to the state judicial website. Her husband, Chris confirmed the prior arrests, saying his wife has struggled with the issue in the past and that she's had past incidents in East Hampton.
"She's a very good person but obviously has done some regrettable things," he said.
Two cars were involved in the crash and a female passenger in the other vehicle, as well as a 78-year-old man who was walking on the sidewalk, were taken to Windham Hospital for treatment. Route 32 was closed between Route 66 and Capitol Avenue as police responded, but the road has since reopened.
Duers taught one class at Horace W. Porter School Wednesday before going home sick late morning, according to Columbia Superintendent Laurence Fearon. He said that there was no indication that she was under the influence of anything at school. Duers is a part-time life skills teacher, a subject similar to home economics, and has been at the school since September.
Duers has not been placed on leave at this time and Fearon said that the district is working to get all the facts before proceeding.
She was charged with driving under the influence incident after an incident on Sept. 29, 2009 and again nearly three months later on Dec. 22, 2009. She was sentenced to brief jailtime for both convictions.
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Duers is being held on $50,000 and is due in Danielson Superior Court on Dec. 4
