Gun, DUI Charges Filed In Connection With Vernon Motorcycle Mishap

VERNON, CT — A unlicensed motorcyclist has been arrested on drunken driving and gun charges a June crash in Vernon, state police said.

According to a warrant, on June 9, State police were alerted to a crash involving a single motorcycle at 12:40 a.m. in the area of the Exit 64/65 eastbound ramps for Interstate 84.

When they arrived at the scene, state police followed tire tracks from the left lane all the way to the grass gore and the driver, identified as Donnell Battle, 26, of Bristol, was located on the ground near a guardrail, according to a crash report.

He seemed confused as to what took place, according to a crash report.

In the same area, troopers located a Taurus Judge handgun in a holster that was registered to Battle, according to a warrant. It was loaded with five rounds, according to a warrant.

Dash cam footage obtained by state police showed Battle being thrown from the bike before it smashed into a highway sign. He lost control of the bike, according to footage cited in warrant.

Blood tests taken after battle was taken to an area hospital showed signs of intoxication, according to a warrant that was served to Battle last week.

He was charged with driving under the influence, a lane violation, operating a motorcycle without the proper endorsement, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and illegally carrying a firearm while under the influence.