Police: Westbrook Man Attempts to Bypass DUI Device On Vehicle

According to a press release from the Clinton Police Department, Westbrook resident Kenneth Palifka, 67, was charged Monday afternoon with Avoidance of an Ignition Interlock Device. The PD report states that Palifka was attempting to solicit people at the Clinton Town Marina for an alcohol-free breath that would allow his vehicle to start.

Around 4:40 PM on June 17, Clinton Police say they responded to a report that an individual at the Marina was attempting to solicit citizens to provide an alcohol free breath sample in order to start his vehicle since the vehicle was equipped with a court ordered Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

After Police arrived, they located Kenneth Palifka, age 67, of #54 Broadway North, Westbrook and and a male counterpart.

Police say they determined that Palifka and his friend had returned from boating on Long Island Sound and had been drinking alcohol earlier in the day. 

Police say the two men were attempting to remove Palifka’s boat and trailer from the town boat ramp by hand since they were unable to start Palifka’s vehicle.

Witnesses at the Marina confirmed reports that Palifka and his friend had “actively attempted to seek out citizens at the marina, and inquired if the citizens could provide a breath sample in order for Palifka to start his vehicle and retrieve his boat,” Police say.

The investigation also revealed that Palifka has been charged with multiple DUI’s in the past.

Palifka was released after posting a $500.00 surety bond and is scheduled to appear at Middlesex Superior Court on July 1.