DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER: Connecticut State Police New Year's Holiday Enforcement Operation

The Connecticut State Police will remain very active to enhance public safety on all highways and roads in Connecticut this New Year’s Holiday.

Troopers will utilize various enforcement tools to locate, test, and arrest intoxicated drivers.

To accomplish this task, State Troopers will utilize both marked and unmarked State Police patrol cars as Troopers are attempting to remove all unsafe and intoxicated drivers from Connecticut’s roads and highways. 

During New Years Eve 2012 - 2013 Troopers issued summons to drivers for the following motor vehicle violations:

Speeding - 572 

Seat-belt Violations - 52 

Other Hazardous Moving Violations - 1,279  (following too close, cell phone violations, unsafe lane change, failure to signal etc). 

Troopers also investigated 288 crashes over the long weekend, none fatal, 35 with injury. 

In addition Troopers also arrested 28 drunk drivers during the operation.

To enhance highway safety Troopers will be out in force over the entire New Year’s Holiday 2014. They will be assigned to focus attention to areas where DUI violations and alcohol-related crashes often take place.

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS will also be set up at various locations across Connecticut. 

This New Year’s Holiday operation will start at midnight 12-30-13 and continue to 1-02-14 at midnight. Connecticut State Police are reminding all motorists:  If you drink...DO NOT DRIVE. 

Designate a sober, non-drinking driver before you partake in any celebration. If you see a suspected drunk driver or reckless driver, that is a true emergency...call 911 and immediately report it to police. 

Help us to keep the roads and highways safe this New Year’s Holiday.

~ Lt. J. Paul Vance
   Connecticut State Police,
   Commanding Officer

* January 2, 2014 Update:  Final Stats

The following statistics are the result of the Connecticut State Police holiday enforcement operation that began on Monday,12-30-13 at midnight continued into the new year ending at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, 01-02-14. Additional manpower has been in place, performing both sobriety checkpoints and targeted enforcement:

DUI Arrests - 18

Speeding - 560 

Seat-belt Violations - 16 

Other Hazardous Moving Violations - 1,040  (following too close, cell phone violations, unsafe lane change, failure to signal, etc). 

Troopers also investigated 84 accidents, 18 with injury, none fatal.

Larceny of Mail from Several Mailboxes, Assault, Disorderly Conduct, DUI's, Vandalism, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Marijuana & Drug Paraphernalia and MVA's through 12-22-13

The East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester report the following incidents:

TRUCK VS TREE - On Dec.12 at approximately 2:20 p.m., East Haddam Police responded to the report of an accident on Mott Lane in Moodus. Peter Klick, 39, of Launching Area Road, East Haddam had been traveling southbound on Mott Lane in a 1991 Chevy pick-up truck, when he lost control of the vehicle, leaving the roadway and impacting a tree. No injuries were reported, but Klick was issued a written warning for traveling too fast for conditions.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS, OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WHILE LICENSE OR REGISTRATION IS SUSPENDED AND POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA - On Dec.13 at approximately 4:20 p.m., police observed a vehicle being operated erratically, and initiated a motor-vehicle stop. Jeremy Gorman, 20, of Falls Road, Moodus was subsequently arrested and charged with the above violations. Gorman was later released on a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on 12/24/13.

TRUCK VS UTILITY POLE - On Dec.14 at approximately 11:39 a.m., Andrew Veselak, 32, of Newberry Road, East Haddam was traveling westbound on Newberry Road, operating a 2012 Dodge Ram-450 dump truck. Police said that as Veselak attempted to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Bashan Road, the truck started to skid sideways on the snow-covered roadway, eventually striking a utility pole and splitting it into two pieces. No injuries were reported, but police issued Veselak a written warning for traveling too fast for conditions.

MOTOR-VEHICLE ROLL-OVER - On Dec.17 at approximately 4:31 p.m., Zacarias Gutierrez, 58, of Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, New York was traveling westbound on Route 82 in East Haddam, in the area of West Road, operating a 2004 Ford Expedition. Gutierrez reportedly lost control of the vehicle, skidded off of the roadway and the vehicle rolled over onto its roof. No injuries were reported by Gutierrez or his two passengers, 49-year-old Jose Burgos and 47-year-old Luis Burgos, both also of Brooklyn, New York.

ASSAULT AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On Dec.17 at approximately 8:44 p.m., Troop K was notified about a disturbance at an East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike residence. After a subsequent police investigation, William Maynard, 42, of East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike, Moodus was arrested and charged with 3rd-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Maynard was held on a $1,000 bond and given a court date of 12/18/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

CAR VS STONE PILLAR - On Dec.18 at approximately 9:38 a.m., Jennifer Burrier, 35, of Main Street, East Hartford was traveling northbound on Ray Hill Road in East Haddam, near the intersection with Route 82. Police said Burrier's vehicle exited the road and struck a stone pillar at #22 Ray Hill Road. No injuries were reported.

TWO-CAR COLLISION - On Dec.18 at approximately 9:39 a.m., Lois Tsolis, 76, of Stocking Lot Road, East Haddam was stopped on Great Hillwood Road in Moodus, operating a 2009 Honda CRV, behind Jennifer Pulaski, 26, of Wickham Road, East Haddam, who was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Route 149 (Falls Road) in a 2005 Ford Focus. Police said that Pulaski pulled out slightly onto Route 149 to see if the roadway was clear to proceed, but then stopped, Tsolis started to pull forward as well, but subsequently rear-ended Pulaski's vehicle. No injuries were reported, but police issued Tsolis a written warning for following too close.

TWO-VEHICLE COLLISION ON THE EAST HADDAM SWING-BRIDGE - On Dec.18 at approximately 2:38 p.m., Edward Matthews, 44, of Williamsburg Road, Higganum was traveling eastbound on the East Haddam Swing Bridge (Route 82) in East Haddam, driving a 2010 Ford F-150. Laura Davanzo, 50, of Hemlock Valley Road, East Haddam was traveling behind Matthews in a 1997 Jeep. Police said that as Matthews slowed down for traffic, Davanzo struck his vehicle. No injuries were reported, but police issued Davanzo a summons for following too close, operating an unregistered motor-vehicle and operating a motor-vehicle without insurance.

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On Dec.19 at approximately 9:56 a.m., Nicole Romano, 24, of Joe Williams Road, Moodus was taken into custody at her residence and transported to Troop K to be processed, related to an outstanding PRAWN (Paperless Re-Arrest Warrant Network) warrant, based upon charges of several prior motor-vehicle violations. Romano was later released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 1/7/14.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - On Dec. 20 at approximately 7:40 pm., Chelsea Klein, 23, of Walnut Avenue, East Hampton was arrested and charged with the above violations. Klein was released on a $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 1/7/14.

VANDALISM AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - On Dec. 20 at approximately 7:43 a.m., police received a complaint from an employee of the Brownell Company on East Haddam-Moodus Road (Route 149) in Moodus. It was reported that damage had been done to some property just outside the main entrance area. Anyone with possible information that could help police solve this case is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabeinikoff at the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

LARCENY OF MAIL FROM SEVERAL MAILBOXES - On many occasions during the time period of Dec.17 through Dec. 21, police received complaints from residents who live along East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike and Southwinds Road in East Haddam about mail being removed from their mailboxes by unknown person(s). Anyone with possible information about any of these thefts are asked to contact Officer Mark Creighton at the East Haddam Reseident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226.  If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS, ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA - On Dec. 22 at approximately 6:50 p.m., Alison Latham, 60, of Sipples Hill, Moodus was arrested and charged with the above violations. Police had previously received a report of erratic operation of a motor-vehicle in the area, and observed Latham's vehicle as she was turning into her driveway on Sipples Hill. According to police, Latham failed all of the standardized field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. Upon inventory of Latham's personal belongings, police said that they discovered medication in her possession that was not prescribed to her. Latham was later released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 1/7/14.

An arrest or infraction does not indicate a conviction, and all individuals listed in these reports are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

If you would be interested in receiving future reports by email as they are posted, just send a request to TheNeighborhoodWatchReport@gmail.com

LOST & FOUND: Set of Keys

Are you missing this set of keys???

The keys in the photo were found in Moodus. If you are the owner of these keys or may know who had lost them, please send an email with your name and phone number to: 

TheNeighborhoodWatchReport@gmail.com

Operation SANTA : "Stop Another Needless Tragic Accident"

From the desk of Lt. J. Paul Vance...

The Connecticut State Police have launched the 2013 Holiday enforcement program in an attempt to save lives and prevent injury as the Christmas-New Year’s holiday season approaches. 

"Operation S.A.N.T.A" (Stop Another Needless Tragic Accident) is the major holiday accident and injury prevention message from the Connecticut State Police.

This combined accident reduction effort (C.A.R.E.) involves all State Police Departments across the U.S. The focus of this enforcement will be on drivers’ behavior that most frequently causes accidents. Enforcement will also attempt to rid the roads and highways of drivers who drive under the influence, speed, and fail to wear seatbelts.

DUI enforcement will increase dramatically during this holiday season. Traditionally at this time of year, many holiday celebrations such as house and office parties take place. Many of these parties MAY include the consumption of alcohol.

Some party-goers will not designate a non-drinking driver and will neglect to remember that mixing alcohol with driving any motor vehicle is unwise, dangerous and illegal.  

State Police Troopers have scheduled DUI sobriety checkpoints and enhanced DUI enforcement operations on the roads and highways all across Connecticut. 

Emergency Services & Public Protection Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford said, “Our State Troopers are trying to save lives and keep all of our roads and highways safe. Remember, mixing alcohol with driving any vehicle is a dangerous combination for everyone, and illegal in our state.”

No one looks forward to spending time in a jail cell, a hospital, or someplace worse during the holidays.   

Connecticut State Troopers will be out in force to try to keep drunk drivers off the roads. Troopers are asking the public to join our effort - if you are planning to consume alcohol at a festive event, make plans in advance for a non-drinking driver to bring you home. 

If you spot a suspected drunk driver, call 911 and report it to the police, as this is a true emergency.

Distracted driving, cell phone use, speeding and not wearing seat belts will be an important part of “OPERATION SANTA” 2013 enforcement. These violations contribute to the cause of accidents.  

Troopers are asking all motorists to obey the laws and help the Connecticut State Police keep all roads and highways safe.

   Click here for Christmas and New Year's Roving Patrols and Checkpoints

*The following are the State Police Christmas (OPERATION SANTA) holiday enforcement stats from Christmas and New Years of 2012:

DUI arrests: 73
Speeding arrests: 1,027
Seatbelt violations: 59
Hazardous Moving violations: (following too close, distracted driving, etc.) 1,986

Accidents: 783  
     With injury: 79
     Fatal: 3, resulting in 4 deaths

Police Dogs on Patrol: Connecticut State Police K-9 Teams Graduate in Meriden

Trooper Kristin Coit & K-9 Partner, Gunnar of Troop K in Colchester.

Eleven K-9 teams made up the 164^th Patrol Dog class, which graduated on December 12, 2013, during a ceremony at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy in Meriden.

The K-9 handlers and their dogs, all of which were German Shepherds, were in training for 15 weeks, from September 3rd until December 12th, 2013. 

The newly graduated teams will serve State Police, Municipal and State Agencies.

Connecticut State Police:

Troop K, Colchester

Trooper Kristin Coit & K-9 Gunnar

Troop H, Hartford

Trooper Matthew Herz & K-9 Arek

Troop I, Bethany

Trooper John O'Connor & K-9 Kaiser

Troop A, Southbury

Trooper Chris Porrini & K-9 Union

Troop G, Bridgeport 

Trooper Mike Beauton & K-9 Nero

Troop E, Montville

Trooper Timothy Brink & K-9 Brodie

Municipal and State Agencies:

Putnam Police Department

Officer Brian Castle & K-9 Ammo

West Haven Police Department

Officer Scott Bloom & K-9 Ike

North Branford Police Department

Officer Mario Bernardo & K-9 Hanz

Department of Corrections

C/O Laura Paniccia & K-9 Bosco

C/O Ron Zaczynski & K-9 Tower

CONGRATULATIONS  to all of the newly graduated Teams!!!

Information provided by the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection, Connecticut State Police.  Photos by Joe Weronik, CSP Forensics.

East Haddam Fire Marshal: House Fire Intentionally Set

The early morning fire on Monday, December 16th, 2013 at 264 Mount Parnassus Road, East Haddam is under investigation as an arson incident.  Photo courtesy East Haddam Fire Marshal.

The East Haddam Fire Marshal's Office and the Connecticut State Police are seeking the public's help with information about a fire that occurred on Monday, December 16th, 2013 between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 a.m. 

The house is located at 264 Mount Parnassus Road in East Haddam, and the fire has been deemed incendiary. 

A $2,500.00 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved.

Any information may be called in to 1-800-84-ARSON and will be kept confidential.

If you know or hear something, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, please call.

~ Don Angersola, Fire Marshal
 Town of East Haddam

East Haddam Fire Marshal on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Haddam-Fire-Marshal/151805671634713

East Haddam Police Searching for Burglary Suspect, Larceny, Disorderly Conduct, Motor-Vehicle Vs. Stone Wall and Failure to Appear in Court through 12-6-13

The East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester report the following incidents:

MOTOR-VEHICLE VS STONE WALL - On Dec. 1 at approximately 4:58 a.m., Nicholas Woods, 20, of Higganum was traveling northbound on Town Street in the area of Ray Hill Road in East Haddam, driving a 2000 Mercury Sable. Police said that Woods lost control of his vehicle, veered to the right and struck a stone wall. Woods had to be extricated from the vehicle, and was transported to Middlesex Hospital by East Haddam EMS for evaluation and treatment of neck and back pain. The vehicle had to be towed from the scene due to heavy front-end damage.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On Dec. 1 at approximately 10:30 p.m., State Troopers responded to a report of a 911 hang-up call at a Falls Road residence. After an investigation, police took Roger Patterson, 49, of Falls Road, Moodus into custody and charged him with the above violation. Patterson was later released on a $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/2/13.

BURGLARY AND LARCENY - On Dec. 3, sometime between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., an unknown person(s) entered a home on East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike in East Haddam and took a Panasonic 42-inch plasma HDTV set, model # TC-P4C1 with an estimated value of $600. The serial number on this unit is TQB2AA0809-2. Anyone with information that could help police with this investigation is asked to contact Officer Mark Creighton at the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the confidential Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

ISSUANCE OF A BAD CHECK - On Dec. 5, John Rucker, Jr., 45, of Creek Row, East Haddam turned himself in to Troop K, based on an active warrant for his arrest. Rucker was charged with the above violation, then later released on a $500 bond. Rucker was given a court date of 12/17/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On Dec. 6 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Erich Hagert, 25, of Baker Lane, East Haddam was arrested, pursuant to a warrant, and charged with 2nd-degree failure to appear. Hagert was released on a $2,500 bond and scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on 12/17/13.

An arrest or infraction does not indicate a conviction, and all individuals listed in these reports are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

If you would be interested in receiving future reports as they are posted, please send a request to TheNeighborhoodWatchReport@gmail.com

East Haddam Couple Steals Motor-Vehicle: Parks it at Middletown Police Department

...Two East Haddam residents with a history of thefts and burglaries stole a car from Middletown Nissan then turned it in at police headquarters four days later after feeling regret, according to Middletown Police.

On Dec. 13 at 3:30 a.m., Gregory T. Hallowell, 23, of East Haddam Colchester Turnpike, Moodus, and his girlfriend Michelle Stankowski, 20, of Falls Road, Moodus, returned a stolen 2008 Nissan Altima to police headquarters in Middletown, according to the report. 

The report says officers found the car parked in front of the police department on Main Street, as Hallowell had told them. Both he and Stankowski were reportedly unaware of their outstanding arrests warrants. 

Both were charged with second-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny.

For the complete report, visit the Middletown Patch at:

http://middletown-ct.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/pd-young-couple-steal-nissan-return-it-to-police-as-regret-sets-in

*Photo credit: Middletown Patch.com

Risk of Injury to a Minor, Fraudulent Credit Card Charges, Stolen Boat Motor, Violation of Probation, Unlawful Restraint, Disorderly Conduct, DUI and Possession of Marijuana through 11-30-13

The East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester report the following incidents:

TWO-CAR MOTOR-VEHICLE ACCIDENT - On Nov. 18 at approximately 7:09 a.m., Patrick Capel, 52, of Ballahack Road, East Haddam was traveling westbound along Norwich Road (Route 82) in the area of Ray Hill Road in East Haddam, operating a 2007 Honda Fit. Josephine Costanzo, 55, of Tater Hill Road, East Haddam was traveling in the same direction (behind Capel) driving a 2011 Subaru Legacy. Police said that as Costanzo attempted to pass Capel on the left, Capel swerved to the left and the vehicles collided. No injuries were reported, and the accident remains under investigation.

STOLEN BOAT MOTOR - On Nov. 19, East Haddam Police responed to a Shore Road, East Haddam residence to investigate the theft of a 1983 Johnson 70-horsepower outboard motor. Anyone with possible information that could help police with this case is asked to contact Officer Jeff Rhoades at 860-891-8200. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice message on the confidential Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On Nov. 21 at approximately 9:53 p.m., Edward Dobrinski, 32, of Mount Parnassus Road, East Haddam was arrested and charged with the above violation. Dobrinski was released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 11/22/13.

CRIMINAL VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER - On Nov. 22, Edward Dobrinski, 32, of Mount Parnassus Road, East Haddam was arrested by Connecticut State Police, Troop F and charged with the above violation. According to The Haddams-Killingworth Patch, Dobrinski was held on a $25,000 bond and was given a court date of 11/25/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

FRAUDULENT CREDIT CARD CHARGES - On Nov.22 at approximately 11:07 a.m., State Police received a complaint from a West Cove, Moodus resident regarding unauthorized use of their credit card. The victim informed police that they had previously used their credit card at a restaurant in Colchester, and had then noticed the fraudulent charges on their account a couple of weeks later. The case is being investigated by the State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad, and anyone else who has become a victim of this type of crime is asked to contact the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-465-5400.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT - On Nov. 22 at approximately 2:06 p.m., Joseph Bartlett, 19, of East Haddam-Moodus Road, East Haddam was arrested, pursuant to a warrant, and charged with (2) counts of disorderly conduct and (2) counts of unlawful restraint. Bartlett was held on a $7,500 bond and given a court date of 11/25/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

FRAUDULENT CREDIT CARD CHARGES - On Nov. 23 at approximately 3:21 p.m., State Police received a complaint from an Alger Road, East Haddam resident reporting fraudulent charges on his credit card account. It was reported that the account number had been used at various stores. The case is under investigation.

VIOLATION OF PROBATION - On Nov. 25 at approximately 10:05 p.m., William Maynard, 42, of East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike, East Haddam was arrested, pursuant to an outstanding warrant, and charged with the above. Maynard was released on a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/9/13.

IMPROPER TURN - On Nov. 26 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Monica Case, 54, of Mount Parnassus Road, East Haddam was traveling westbound on Mount Parnassus Road in a 2006 GMC Canyon pick-up truck. Matthew Weaver, 28, of Mount Parnassus Road, East Haddam was traveling eastbound, driving a 2013 Ford pick-up truck with a trailer. Police said that as Weaver was attempting to make a left turn off of the roadway, Case's vehicle collided with the trailer. Case was transported to Middlesex Hospital for evaluation and/or treatment of injuries. Police found Weaver to be at fault and issued an infraction for making an improper turn.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS, RISK OF INJURY TO A MINOR, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND FAILURE TO OBEY A STOP SIGN - On Nov. 26 at approximately 8:25 p.m., Elyse Dobrinski, 30, of Mount Parnassus Road, East Haddam was arrested and charged with the above violations. Dobrinski was released on a $2,500 bond and given a court date of 12/4/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

BREACH OF PEACE - On Nov. 27 at approximately 5:20 p.m., Brian Robbins, 55, of East Lane, East Haddam was arrested and charged with the above violation. Robbins was released on a $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on 11/29/13.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On Nov. 28 at approximately 7:26 p.m., State Troopers responded to an Elaine Drive, Moodus residence for a report of an active domestic disturbance in progress. After a subsequent investigation, Michael Faggione, 45, of Elaine Drive, Moodus was taken into custody without incident and arrested and charged with the above violation. Faggione was later released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 11/29/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS, FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT AND FAILURE TO WEAR A SEAT-BELT - On Nov. 30 at 7:10 a.m., Brian Aucoin, 26, of Stocking Lot Road, East Haddam, turned himself in related to an outstanding warrant for his arrest for the above charges. Aucoin was released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/11/13.

An arrest or infraction does not indicate a conviction, and all individuals listed in these reports are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

If you would be interested in receiving future reports as they are posted, please send a request to TheNeighborhoodWatchReport@gmail.com

East Haddam Police Stuff-a-Cruiser Christmas Toy Drive

The East Haddam Police Officers and Resident State Troopers will host our 8th Annual Stuff-a-Cruiser Christmas Toy Drive on Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event will be held at the Nathan Hale Plaza located at 26 Falls Road, (Route 149) in Moodus.

New, unwrapped toys are needed for children from infants up through age 18. In addition to toys, donations of hats, gloves, scarves and socks are needed for children of all ages. All donations will be distributed through East Haddam Youth and Family Service (EHYFS) to children within the community.

Any family in East Haddam or Moodus that is in need of assistance during the holiday with gifts for their children should contact Kaitlin Besier at EHYFS. She can be reached at 860-873-3296.

For additional information on the Stuff a Cruiser Event please contact Officer Craig Mansfield at 860-873-6019, Trooper Erin Lowney at 860-537-7500 ext. #4068 or email  police@easthaddam.org.

Stuff A Cruiser Toy Drive Flyer 2013

State Police Prepare for Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Enforcement

As Connecticut residents prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Connecticut State Police has also implemented plans to enhance public safety, enforcement and visibility on all of the highways and roads in Connecticut.

Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) is an intricate part of the highway safety plan.

The Connecticut State Police will supplement its normal routine patrol personnel with additional Troopers over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Troopers will patrol all roads and highways across Connecticut and will focus on drunk drivers while targeting aggressive and unsafe drivers.

Thanksgiving Eve and Day are, without a doubt, the busiest traffic days of the year. Motorists need to remember: Don’t follow too close, slow down, stay off your cell phone and if you drink, then don’t drive.

Troopers will set up sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols to target DUI problem areas across the state throughout the entire weekend. State Troopers are committed to reducing crashes through preventive enforcement initiatives such as safety spot checks at sobriety checkpoints.

Troopers will also be looking for violators who cause accidents on Connecticut roads and highways. Every effort to reduce accidents is being taken but Connecticut residents are urged to be a part of the public safety solution. 

Residents should remind all young people, especially college students returning home this semester, of the rules regarding alcohol consumption and drinking and driving. Uniformed Troopers will use non-traditional patrol cars to observe traffic and issue tickets to reckless, distracted drivers. 

A reminder to all drivers: anyone who is consuming alcohol should never get behind the wheel. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911 as this is a true emergency. 

Colonel Danny R. Stebbins, commander of the Connecticut State Police noted, “Your State Troopers will work very hard to keep the state’s roads and highways safe. Help us reduce accidents by driving with extra caution this Thanksgiving holiday. As we do our part through enforcement, please do your part by driving safely. At this busy time of year, we urge all parents to take the time and talk to their young adults about the dangers of underage drinking."

2012 Thanksgiving Weekend Stats:

SPEEDING ARRESTS: 1,611
SEATBELT ARRESTS:  85 
OTHER HAZARDOUS MOVING VIOLATION ARRESTS:  3,041
(including unsafe lane change, following too close, cell phone usage, failure to signal, etc.)
DUI ARRESTS:  62
ACCIDENTS Investigated:  410     With Injury:  59     Fatalities: 3     

Total Calls For State Police Service: 10,469

2013 Thanksgiving Weekend DUI Roving Patrols & Sobriety Checkpoints:

http://www.ct.gov/despp/lib/despp/public_information_files/thanksgiving2013checkpoints.pdf


* 12-2-13 Update: 

2013 Thanksgiving Weekend Stats:

SPEEDING ARRESTS:  1,134

SEATBELT ARRESTS: 170

OTHER HAZARDOUS MOVING VIOLATIONS ARRESTS:  2,548

(including unsafe lane change, following too close, cell phone usage, failure to signal, etc.)

DUI ARRESTS:  43

ACCIDENTS Investigated:  562    With Injury: 92      Fatalities: 1

Total Calls for Service:  10,426

Connecticut State Troopers supplemented the normal patrol force with additional State Troopers over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.

Troopers patrolled all roads and highways across Connecticut and focused on drunk driving violations and targeted aggressive drivers.

                    

Sobriety checkpoints and targeted DUI patrols were in place over the entire weekend.

State Police will continue this preventive enforcement effort until the end of the Holiday season.  

These State Police stats cover the time period starting at midnight on 11/27/13 through midnight on 12/01/13.

Holiday enforcement operation continues through the end of this upcoming holiday season.

*Information provided by the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection

Disorderly Conduct, Stalking, DUI, Operating Unregistered and Uninsured through 11-16-13

The East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester report the following incidents:

DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND STALKING - On Nov.10 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Jean Pires, 50, of Town Farm Road, East Haddam was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and 3rd-degree stalking. Pires was released on a $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 11/12/13. No further details were available, and the case remains under investigation.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS AND MAKING A RESTRICTED TURN - On Nov.10 at approximately 7:35 p.m., Robert Slack, 52, of Clearview Road, Moodus was reportedly involved in a one-car motor-vehicle accident. Slack was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI and making a restricted turn, and released to Colchester Fire Department personnel for medical treatment. He was released from custody on a $500 bond and given a court date of 12/4/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

OPERATING UNREGISTERED AND UNINSURED - On Nov.14, Susan White, 50, of Davison Road, Moodus and Amber McAuliffe, 42, of Flatbrook Road, East Hampton were involved in a two-car motor-vehicle accident in the area of Main Street and Route 66 in East Hampton. East Hampton Police issued McAuliffe a summons for operating an unregistered and uninsured motor-vehicle and she was scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 11/27/13. No injuries were reported.

FAILURE TO KEEP RIGHT ON A CURVE - On Nov.16 at approximately 7:31 a.m., Brett Saunders, 23, of North Street, Manchester was traveling southbound on Route 149 in the area of Grove Street in East Haddam, in a 1999 Toyota RAV-4. Police said that as Saunders attempted to negotiate a right-hand curve, his vehicle veered to the left and crossed over the double-yellow center line, entering the northbound lane. The vehicle then continued in a southeasterly direction, colliding with a section of metal-beam guardrails. No injuries were reported. Police issued Saunders an infraction for failure to keep right on a curve.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS AND MAKING AN IMPROPER TURN - On Nov.16 at approximately 6:00 p.m., Colchester Police responded to a one-car motor-vehicle accident on Westchester Road (Route 149) in the area of Church Street in Colchester. A utility pole had been struck and the road was closed while CL&P crews worked to repair the damage. A subsequent investigation by police resulted in the arrest of the driver of the vehicle involved, 57-year-old David Carpentier of Mount Parnassus Road in East Haddam. Carpentier was charged with DUI and making an improper turn. He was processed at Troop K and later released on a $500 bond. Carpentier was scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/3/13.

An arrest or infraction does not indicate a conviction, and all individuals listed in these reports are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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