CT man crashes while live-streaming himself driving 100 mph on I-95

Kenneth Holfler, 23, of Middletown, was arrested after he live streamed himself driving recklessly on Interstate 95 over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge before he crashed while getting off an exit on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, State Police said. He was later charged with reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, making an improper turn and possession of more than one ounce of marijuana. less Kenneth Holfler, 23, of Middletown, was arrested after he live streamed himself driving recklessly on Interstate 95 over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge before he crashed while getting off an exit on Saturday, ... more Photo: Middletown Police Photo Photo: Middletown Police Photo Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close CT man crashes while live-streaming himself driving 100 mph on I-95 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

GROTON — A 23-year-old Middletown man already facing charges for allegedly firing paint balls at the Xavier High School hockey team, was arrested again Saturday after he live streamed himself driving recklessly on Interstate 95 over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge before he crashed while getting off an exit, state police said.

The video of Kenneth Holfler shows him driving north in a red 2009 Nissan Versa SL over the bridge, which spans the Thames River between New London and Groton, while driving at speeds up to 102 miles per hour and frequently changing lanes.

“Sometimes a Trooper’s accident report writes itself,” state police from Troop E Montville said of the incident on a Facebook post showing a video of the live streamed crash. “The operator of this vehicle was kind enough to publicly live stream himself traveling over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, while driving at reckless speeds prior to being involved in an accident.”

Trooper James Matlock was conducting speed enforcement on the bridge at around 11:15 a.m. when he noticed a Nissan Versa driving at speeds of up to 102 miles per hour while weaving in and out of traffic, reports said.

At one point Hofler moves to take a right exit off the highway and crashes — also captured on the video.

Matlock came on the crash as he was still trying to follow the vehicle, state police said.

Hofler had hit about 40 feet of metal beam guardrail before the car rolled over, reports said. He was climbing out of the Nissan when Matlock arrived at the crash scene, police said.

Hofler was not seriously injured, but was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital to be checked out, state police said. He was later charged with reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, making an improper turn and possession of more than one ounce of marijuana.

If found guilty of the traffic violations, Hofler faces a maximum of $1,637 in fines and up to four months in jail, according to state statutes. He will be represented in court by a public defender.

“The posted speed limit for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge is 55 MPH,” state police said in the Facebook post. “Speeding and live streaming is not only dangerous, it is illegal. Thankfully, this operator was wearing his seat belt, or they could have suffered serious injuries. Please slow down and drive safely.”

Hofler was free on $35,000 bond after the paintball arrest when the live stream incident occurred. Holfler was charged Oct. 24 with eight offenses including attempted second-degree assault and criminal possession of a firearm on Oct. 24 after police said he fired paint balls at members of the Xavier High School hockey team while the teens were having breakfast at a Middletown Dunkin’ Donuts.

That case is pending.