DANBURY -- A 32-year-old New Fairfield woman was critically injured and the driver under arrest after a one-car accident early Sunday that police blamed on drinking and driving.
The crash occurred just before 1:45 a.m. on Federal Road. Police said a black 2004 Toyota Corolla was headed south when it veered off the road and struck a utility pole.

Police identified the woman as Danae Demattei. A Danbury Hospital spokesman late Sunday said Demattei was "unstable condition." Police said Demattei sustained a severe head injury in the crash, which temporarily closed three of the four travel lanes. She had to be extricated from the crumpled vehicle by firefighters.

The driver, Rene Manzano, 26, of Abbott Avenue, Danbury, was charged with drunken driving, reckless driving, failure to drive in the proper lane, second-degree assault with a vehicle, failure to carry an insurance card and failure to carry registration. He was being held on $50,000 bond, but police said additional charges could be added if Demattei dies.

Police said the car struck the pole nearly head on, then rotated clockwise after the crash. The passenger side of the car took the brunt of the impact. Manzano wasn't injured, police said.

Contact John Pirro
at jpirro@newstimes.com

This is her Facebook. All she talks about is loving life and how happy she is. She didn't deserve this! I never agreed with drinking and driving and this proves right here WHY this is a horrible idea.
Click HERE for her Facebook

She is an old manager of mine from when I used to work at Old Navy. She is such an awesome person and she was always one of my favorites. She was always a sweetheart and so full of life. Always was laughing and always made others smile. She is in my thoughts and she is in my prayers. She has to make it. She is a wonderful person. Please pray for her!