PLAINFIELD — A Connecticut Department of Correction employee was arrested early Saturday after Plainfield police say he interposed himself in an impaired-driving investigation and resisted officers trying to remove him from the scene.
Police say the incident began at about 1:30 a.m. when an officer on patrol observed a Mazda that appeared to be swerving before it pulled into the parking lot of Plainfield High School. The driver of that vehicle, identified by police as Ashley Vasquez, 36, gave officers cause to believe she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, prompting a formal impairment investigation.
Intervention by second vehicle leads to confrontation
During the investigation, officers said a second vehicle arrived and several people exited. Among them was Michael Etman‑Marois, 55, who is an active Connecticut Department of Correction officer. Police allege Etman‑Marois repeatedly refused commands to keep his distance while officers conducted their work.
When an officer attempted to escort Etman‑Marois away from the investigation, a brief physical struggle allegedly ensued, and Etman‑Marois was taken into custody. Plainfield police charged him with interfering with police.
Authorities also arrested Vasquez after determining she was impaired. She was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the Plainfield Police Department.
- Time: Approximately 1:30 a.m.
- Location: Plainfield High School parking lot
- People arrested: Michael Etman‑Marois, 55 (Department of Correction officer); Ashley Vasquez, 36 (driver)
- Charges: Interfering with police (Etman‑Marois); operating under the influence (Vasquez)
- Court date: Both are scheduled to appear Aug. 5 in Danielson Superior Court
Both defendants were released on bond and are scheduled to appear Aug. 5 in Danielson Superior Court, according to police records.
Agency role and local accountability
The arrest of an active corrections officer raises questions about conduct by public safety personnel when interacting with local police. The Plainfield Police Department has provided the arrest information; the Department of Correction was identified in the police account because of Etman‑Marois' employment status. The department’s internal review or administrative action, if any, was not described in the police report made available to the public.
State and local law-enforcement agencies often coordinate when incidents involve personnel employed by another public safety agency. In such cases, those agencies may conduct parallel internal inquiries while criminal matters proceed through the courts.
| Person | Age | Alleged conduct | Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Etman‑Marois | 55 | Allegedly interfered with officers and resisted escort | Interfering with police |
| Ashley Vasquez | 36 | Driver suspected of impairment | Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs |
Plainfield residents and drivers should take note: local police continue to conduct sobriety checks and investigations into suspected impaired driving. Officers are authorized to detain and investigate when driving behavior suggests impairment, and interference with that work can bring separate criminal charges.
Both defendants will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court. As with any pending criminal matter, charges are allegations; guilt must be established through the judicial process.
The Plainfield Police Department provided the account of the incident to the public. Further details about departmental or agency responses were not included in the release. NEXO RADAR has requested comment from the Connecticut Department of Correction and will update this story with any official response or additional public records.
Reporting by NEXO RADAR Connecticut correspondent Leila Khoury.
