CT state Rep. Robin Comey says she will seek treatment after DUI arrest in Hartford

HARTFORD — State Rep. Robin Comey issued an apology Saturday morning for her DUI arrest and said she will begin treatment to "get the help I recognize I need." “I want to apologize to my constituents, my colleagues in the CT General Assembly, my family and friends for my DUI arrest on Thursday night," Comey said in a statement. "After much reflection and with the support of my family, starting today, I will begin treatment to better understand the disease that is addiction and to get the help I recognize I need. "I am deeply grateful in advance to everyone for giving me the time and support I need," the Branford Democrat added. Comey was charged with DUI after she flipped over her Honda Civic on Capitol Avenue, about three blocks from the State Capitol Complex, shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday, according to a Hartford police incident report. The vehicle hit at least one other car, according to a witness. The report stated that Comey "reeked" of booze and her blood-alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit following the rollover crash. She told police she left a restaurant near the Capitol, but she would not specify the exact location, according to the report. On Friday, Comey was stripped of her committee membership and House leadership posts. A small business owner, the 55-year-old Comey was recently appointed to assistant majority whip. She was a member of the Committee on Children; the Education Committee; and the Human Services Committee. "This was an extremely dangerous situation and somebody could have been seriously injured, including Rep. Comey," Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said Friday. "I hope she focuses on her health and wellbeing and I know that her friends and colleagues will support her in any way we can." In June 2021, Comey apologized to her colleagues after appearing intoxicated on the floor of the House of Representatives, losing her place during the discussion of a bill on children. In a Friday interview, Ritter recalled that following the incidents two years ago, legislative leaders banned events with alcohol from the State Capitol. Ritter described Comey as "a very good friend of mine," for whom he cares deeply. "I will do my job and what's best for the caucus," he said of the demotions. "There is also a lot of thoughts and prayers right now, and we’re going to help her." Comey will continue her work in the legislature as she seeks treatment, according to her attorney, Charles Tiernan of the New Haven law firm Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante. "She has a staff that will handle her constituent activities," Tiernan said. austin.mirmina@hearstmediact.com

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