Woman Found Lying in Rain is Charged With DUI

A Norwalk woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol Wednesday after a Darien homeowner found her lying in the rain on the property's driveway, said.

61-year-old Charity Poth, formerly of Darien, was arrested and turned over to the custody of her husband after posting a $250 bond. She is set to appear in court April 4.

Acccording to Capt. Fred Komm, police received a call around 8:11 p.m. from a resident of Buttonwood Lane who said that an intoxicated woman was on the ground in her driveway after being involved in a single vehicle accident.

Poth's 2011 Toyota Highlander had reportedly crashed into a stone wall at the end of the drive before she exited the vehicle and lay down. She was conscious and breathing, police said, but the resident became concerned because of the cold rain falling at the time and invited Poth into the house.

When police arrived, Komm said they detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from Poth and saw that her eyes were glassy and bloodshot. She failed subsequent field sobriety tests and was taken into custody.

When police searched Poth's vehicle, they located a bottle of 2008 Culpeo Pinot Noir in a front cup holder, 3/4 of which had reportedly been consumed.