Connecticut Man Tried to Bypass DUI Device on His Car

A Connecticut man is accused of asking other people for breath samples so he could bypass a DUI ignition device installed in his car after he was convicted of drunken driving.

Clinton police charged 67-year-old Kenneth Palifka of Westbrook on Monday with avoidance of an ignition interlock device, which requires an alcohol-free breath sample to start a car.

Police say Palifka and a friend went boating on Long Island Sound and drank alcohol Monday. Authorities say when the two men returned to a marina, Palifka couldn’t start his vehicle and asked others for breath samples.

A phone message seeking comment was left at Palifka’s home Tuesday. It’s not clear if he has a lawyer.

Court records show Palifka is serving two years of probation for two DUI convictions.