Man involved in Beacon Falls crash that killed mother and two children was under the influence of drugs: police – NBC Connecticut

State police have arrested a man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol in a crash on Route 8 in Beacon Falls in February that killed a Bridgeport mother and her two young children.

Andresa De Brito Alves, 25, of Bridgeport, and her 3-year-old son Riquelme Alves Brito and 6-year-old daughter Laura Vitoria Alves Brito were passengers in the Honda and died after the crash, according to state police.

William Michael Kundert, 40, of Oxford, is accused of striking the Honda Civic they were operating on Route 8 North shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 4.

According to the arrest warrant, Kundert was driving a Ford F600 loaded with a full load of lumber when he crossed the left lane, crossed onto the left shoulder and struck the rear of the Civic, which was either stationary or moving slowly on the shoulder of Route 8 North near Exit 23.

According to the arrest warrant, none of the children were in a child seat at the time of the accident.

The driver of the Honda suffered minor injuries.

The arrest warrant states that Kundert was staggering at the crime scene and appeared unsteady on his feet. During the ride to the hospital, he slurred and mumbled. He also said he could not remember driving and did not know what he was doing in the emergency room.

Witnesses told investigators they saw the pickup truck moving erratically and crashing into concrete barriers on Route 8 North in Derby and Seymour.

Blood and urine tests were performed at the hospital and, according to the arrest warrant, revealed the presence of benzodiazepines, opiates, fentanyl, morphine, alprazolam, methadone and methadone metabolites in Kundert's body.

He was arrested Thursday and charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, illegal driving while under the influence, reckless driving and other charges.

Kundert's bail was set at $1 million and he is due in court on Friday.