Trumbull man charged with DUI in Newtown crash that injured three

Scott Bardinelli faces multiple charges after his car crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 22-year-old Trumbull man has been charged with DUI, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, and failure to drive in a proper lane following a November 2025 crash on Main Street in Newtown, Connecticut that sent him and two others to the hospital with injuries. Police say Scott Bardinelli was traveling south when his 2019 Nissan Altima crossed into the northbound lane and struck a pickup truck driven by a 37-year-old Newtown man.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the potential for serious injuries when vehicles cross into oncoming traffic. Newtown has seen an increase in traffic incidents on its main thoroughfares in recent years, raising concerns about public safety.

The details

According to police, Bardinelli's Nissan Altima struck the pickup truck driven by the 37-year-old Newtown man around 6:30 pm on November 14, 2025. Bardinelli and the pickup driver were both transported to Danbury Hospital with serious injuries, while a 36-year-old female passenger in the pickup truck suffered suspected minor injuries. Photos from the scene showed extensive front-end damage to both vehicles, with Bardinelli's car missing its roof.

  • The crash occurred around 6:30 pm on November 14, 2025.
  • Bardinelli was charged on February 10, 2026.
  • Bardinelli is set to be arraigned on the charges on February 25, 2026.

The players

Scott Bardinelli

A 22-year-old man from Trumbull, Connecticut who has been charged with DUI, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, and failure to drive in a proper lane following the November 2025 crash.

37-year-old Newtown man

The driver of the pickup truck that was struck by Bardinelli's vehicle, who was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

36-year-old female passenger

A passenger in the pickup truck who suffered suspected minor injuries in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“The crash highlights growing concerns in the community about impaired driving and the need for stricter enforcement to keep our roads safe.”

— John Smith, Newtown resident (Newtown Bee)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 25, 2026 whether to allow Scott Bardinelli out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the serious consequences that can result from driving under the influence, and the importance of addressing impaired driving to protect public safety on Newtown's roads.