State Rep. Jospeh Verrengia, who represents West Hartford’s 20th State House district, was charged Wednesday.

By Ronni Newton

State Rep. Joseph Verrengia, a Democrat who represents West Hartford’s 20th State House District, was charged by West Hartford Police with DUI Wednesday, and on Friday issued the following statement.

“I apologize to my family, friends and community for my actions and take full responsibility. I have disappointed many and have much work to do to gain back trust,” Verrengia stated. “Therefore, I am dealing with this situation head-on. In doing so, it is my hope that I can regain trust in those who I have let down.”

Mayor Shari Cantor also issued a statement Friday.

“I am grateful Joe has taken responsibility, and no one was hurt,” Cantor said. “He has been a valued public servant in West Hartford for years and I wish him strength as he embarks on this difficult journey.”

Police said they were alerted to the situation just before 5 p.m. Wednesday after receiving three calls to 911 indicating that a car was stopped in the southbound travel lane of New Park Avenue and the driver, who turned out to be Verrengia, “appeared to be asleep at the wheel,” a police report said.

Verrengia retired as a sergeant with the West Hartford Police Department after 25 years of service. He was formerly a member of the West Hartford Town Council and has been a state representative since 2011.

Following Wednesday’s incident, on Thursday Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) removed Verrengia from his position as chair of the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!