Snow Plow Driver's Alleged Cocaine-Fueled Rampage Damages Homes on First Day of Job

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A routine snow removal job turned into a scene of destruction in a Fairfield neighborhood last month, after a driver allegedly operated his plow under the influence of drugs. The incident, detailed in a police warrant, has left damaged property and raised serious questions about safety protocols for seasonal contractors.

According to the arrest warrant, Mark Keene, 46, veered off his assigned route on the morning of Dec. 28. His truck allegedly mounted a walkway, traversed a front yard, and struck a home's front porch with enough force to collapse one side—an sequence captured by a homeowner's Ring camera.

The plow then sped across the street, authorities allege, where it slammed into a sedan parked in a driveway. The impact pushed the car into a closed garage door, with the truck finally coming to rest beneath an SUV parked inside the structure.

Responding officers found Keene disoriented in the driver's seat. "He had no idea that he was just involved in a collision," the warrant states. Police noted he had slurred speech and constricted pupils. His condition reportedly deteriorated, requiring administration of Narcan and transport to a hospital, during which he allegedly became combative with emergency medical technicians.

In subsequent statements to police, Keene allegedly said he had used "three 'bumps' of cocaine" following a verbal argument with his girlfriend, prior to starting his plowing duties. Toxicology tests later confirmed the presence of cocaine, benzodiazepines, and cannabinoids in his system.

Adding a stark layer to the story, News 12 Connecticut reports the chaos unfolded on Keene's first day working for a local landscaping company. The owner told police he had hired Keene just the day before and assigned him two specific driveways to clear—a task he never completed.

Keene turned himself in on Jan. 8 and was charged with reckless driving and operating under the influence. He posted a $15,000 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on Feb. 25. The extent of the property damage is still being assessed.

Community and Legal Reaction

The case highlights the potential dangers of impaired driving in any vehicle, but particularly in heavy equipment operating in residential areas during winter weather. "This goes beyond a simple DUI," said local attorney David Chen. "You're talking about a multi-ton piece of equipment becoming an unguided projectile. The liability questions for the employing company could be significant, especially regarding their hiring and vetting processes for temporary seasonal staff."

Residents expressed a mix of shock and relief that no one was physically hurt. "It's terrifying to think what could have happened if kids had been waiting for the school bus," said Maria Rodriguez, a mother of two who lives nearby. "We're just thankful it was only property that was damaged, as awful as that is."

Others were less measured in their response. "This is absolute negligence, top to bottom," fumed Ben Crowley, a neighbor whose stone wall was damaged. "Someone does 'bumps' of cocaine and then gets handed the keys to a plow? What kind of background check is that? The company that hired him needs to be held accountable just as much as the driver. It's a miracle someone wasn't killed in their own home."

As the case moves to court, the community is left to repair the physical damage, while the incident serves as a jarring reminder of the risks that can arrive with the winter snow.