Three charged after wrong-way driving incident on I-84 in Hartford

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — On Monday, state troopers responded to a collision on I-84 eastbound near Exit 46 in Hartford.

A responding Trooper entering I-84 eastbound via the Exit 44 entrance ramp saw a silver Jeep Compass traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. The troopers initiated a motor vehicle stop and found that the vehicle’s registration had expired, and the driver, Brenda Crespo of East Hartford, couldn’t provide proof of insurance.

As Troopers conducted their investigation, the situation escalated when the front passenger, Esmeralda Crespo of Bristol, exited the car and refused to comply with orders. Both Esmeralda and Brenda became combative and resisted arrest.

Even after being placed in handcuffs, they continued to interfere with the investigation. A rear passenger, Jennifer Crespo of Hartford, also got involved and was taken into custody.

Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, Brenda, Esmeralda, and Jennifer were eventually transported to Troop H for arrest processing.

EMS was called to treat minor injuries sustained during the altercation.

Brenda Crespo faces multiple charges, including driving the wrong way on a divided highway, failure to renew registration, failure to carry registration/insurance card, interfering/resisting, and escape from custody.

She was held on a $50,000 cash/surety bond and transferred to Hartford Superior Court for arraignment on Tuesday.

Esmeralda was charged with interfering/resisting as well as refusal to identify; Jennifer was also charged with interfering/resisting. They were both held on a $20,000 cash/surety bond and transferred to Hartford Superior Court for arraignment on Tuesday.

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