Wallingford Man Facing Weapons and DUI Charges Following Significant Collision with Telephone Pole

Anthony Dingle, 41, was arrested after crashing into a pole in Wallingford. Police found a loaded revolver and charged him with DUI and weapons counts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 4:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WFSB

Utility Pole Struck in Friday Night Roadway Departure

The Wallingford Police Department responded to a high-impact motor vehicle accident on Friday involving a single car near 1406 Durham Road. According to investigators, the vehicle crossed the centerline before exiting the roadway and colliding with a telephone pole. The force of the impact resulted in significant structural damage to both the automobile and the utility pole, though no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Driver Identified and Arrested at the Scene

Officers on the scene identified the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle as 41-year-old Anthony Dingle. During the initial investigation of the crash site, police observed signs that the operator was impaired. Subsequent testing led authorities to determine that Dingle was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time his car left the pavement. Dingle was taken into custody without further incident as crews worked to secure the damaged pole and clear the wreckage from Durham Road.

Discovery of Illegal Firearm and Dangerous Weapons

A search of the vehicle following the collision led to the discovery of a loaded revolver and an additional dangerous weapon. Law enforcement officials noted that Dingle is legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. The presence of the loaded handgun in the motor vehicle, combined with the driver’s impaired state, resulted in a series of felony and misdemeanor charges related to both public safety and weapons violations.