Groton — City officers on Thursday night arrested a man who they said drove his car into a vehicle that was traveling in the same direction as him before later losing control and smashing into three parked cars.

Robert J. Crandall, 27, of 22 Walden Ave., New London, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving and evading responsibility.

According to police, officers responded to the intersection of Mitchell Street and Poquonnock Road about 10:44 p.m. after a caller reported the crash involving the parked cars.

Through their investigation, officers learned that Crandall's vehicle was speeding south on Mitchell Street when it hit a vehicle that also was traveling south on the street. According to police, Crandall drove around that vehicle and continued speeding south.

Police said Crandall lost control of his vehicle as he approached Poquonnock Road. He crossed the northbound lanes and off the road before hitting three cars parked in the lot of Rich’s Service Center, 84 Poquonnock Road.

Crandall's vehicle came to a rest in the Poquonnock Road intersection.

Upon their arrival, officers first determined Crandall was not injured, then administered field sobriety tests, which they said Crandall performed poorly.

Crandall, released on a $1,500 nonsurety bond, is due in New London Superior Court on May 18.