Motorists’ reports of a reckless, speeding vehicle led to the arrest of a Connecticut man for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

Around 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, Troop D- North Platte received several calls of a blue Subaru driving erratically at a high rate of speed eastbound on Interstate 80 near North Platte.

A trooper observed a vehicle matching the description headed eastbound at 114 mph and initiated a traffic stop approximately three miles east of the North Platte Exit (mm 177).

Upon contact with the driver the trooper smelled the odor of alcohol. He initiated a DWI investigation that resulted in the arrest of the driver, Erik L. O’Connell, 36, of Milford, Connecticut.  O’Connell was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on charges to include Second Offense DUI, Open Container and Speeding.

“We want to thank the motoring public for helping us remove impaired drivers from our roadways,” said Col. Bradley Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “By sharing the responsibility we can help keep our roadways safe for everyone.”

The Nebraska State Patrol will continue its participation in the national “You Drink & Drive You Lose (YDYDYL) campaign through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016. Troopers and communication specialists will work overtime through the New Year’s holiday weekend thanks in part to a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

Motorists are reminded they can report impaired or reckless drivers to the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline when safe to do so by dialing *55 from any cellular phone, or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline. Emergencies should be reported to 911.

Col. Rice said, “Let’s all do our part to be home for the holidays. Always wear your seat belt, obey the posted speed limit and never drive impaired or distracted.”