State Police Release Final Traffic Statistics for Memorial Day Weekend 2013...

The Connecticut State Police "BAT Mobile" or Breath-Alcohol

Testing Unit, a multi-purpose, mobile enforcement support vehicle.

Troopers patrolled the highways and roads in Connecticut over this 2013 Memorial Day Weekend. 

During this enforcement operation, Troopers utilized both traditional and non-traditional patrol cars. 

The enforcement project started at midnight on Friday, May 24th and ran until Monday, May 27th.

Troopers investigated 281 motor vehicle accidents, 59 with reported injury, and 2 fatal accidents in West Hartford and North Stonington. 

Over the Holiday Weekend Troopers issued the following violations:   

• Speeding Violations:  1,941
• Seat belt Violations:  718
• Hazardous Moving Violations:  4,294
• 57 people were arrested for  DWI

State Police across Connecticut continued this enforcement operation over the entire holiday weekend. 

Motorists are reminded as the summer months continue to voluntarily obey all rules of the road and report any suspected drunk driver to police as this is a true emergency.

~Press release by Lt. J. Paul Vance

The BAT Mobile allows for efficient use of time and manpower at sobriety checkpoints, especially since prisoners can be processed on site, rather than have to be transported to the State Police barracks.

~Photos above were provided by TFC Carlo Guerra and used with permission by Lt. Tom Seeley, CSP

Violation of Probation, Failure to Appear in Court, Motor-Vehicle Accidents and Several PRAWN Warrants Served through 5-23-13

...A 'Memorial Day Salute' to East Haddam Police from the 1960's:
Officers Lou Soja, Alan Kromish, Joe Czaipiga and Ed Kuzaro.

The following information has been provided by the East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester:

VIOLATION OF PROBATION - On May 14, Chris McCall, 45, of Ray Hill Road, East Haddam was arrested by Middletown Police and charged with the above violation, after being observed on William Street and in the Metro Square area in Middletown, according to the Middletown Press. McCall was reportedly held in lieu of a $25,000 bond and given a court date of 5/23/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

MOTOR-VEHICLE vs. EMBANKMENT - On May 15 at approximately 4:05 p.m., William Merry, 76, of Hebron was traveling northbound on Johnsonville Road in Moodus, in a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Police said that Merry's vehicle left the roadway and struck an embankment on the right-hand shoulder. No injuries were reported, and Merry was issued a written warning for making an improper turn.

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On May 17 at approximately 1:50 p.m., East Haddam police initiated a routine traffic stop on Alger Road in East Haddam. Police were subsequently able to ascertain that Jennifer Grant, 30, of Shewville Road, Ledyard was wanted, based on an active PRAWN* warrant. Grant was taken into custody without incident and processed at Troop K. She was later released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 5/28/13.

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On May 20 at approximately 7:45 a.m., Keith Charbonnier, 28, of Parker Road, East Haddam turned himself in to Troop K, based on on active PRAWN* warrant for his arrest. Charbonnier was released on a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear later on the same day, at Norwich Superior Court.

MOTOR-VEHICLE vs. UTILITY POLE - On May 22 at approximately 2:50 p.m., Ellenmarie Bush, 67, of Clark Hill Road, East Haddam was traveling along Cold Spring Road in the area of where it intersects with Route 82 in East Haddam, when she struck a utility pole with the 2002 Ford Taurus that she was driving. No injuries were reported, however police issued Bush a written warning for making an improper turn.

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On May 22 at approximately 4:40 p.m., David Tardy, 24, of Mott Lane, Moodus turned himself in to Troop K based on an active PRAWN* warrant and was charged with 2nd-degree failure to appear, DUI and failure to have tail lamps illuminated. Tardy was later released on a $2,500 bond and given a court date of 6/4/13.

FAILURE TO DRIVE A REASONABLE DISTANCE APART - On May 23 at approximately 5:48 p.m., Sherry Brewer, 50, of Lake Drive, East Haddam was traveling along the Route 2 eastbound, Exit 13 off-ramp in Marlborough. Sheila Fogg, 50, of North Moodus Road, Moodus was traveling in front of Brewer, operating a 2008 Nissan Rogue. As Fogg stopped her vehicle at the end of the ramp, Brewer's vehicle collided with Fogg's. Police issued Brewer an infraction for following too close. No injuries were reported.

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.

*PRAWN: Paperless Re-Arrest Warrant Network

Connecticut State Police Memorial Day 2013 Enforcement: DWI Patrols and Spot Checks

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

As the unofficial start of summer is celebrated during Memorial Day Weekend, all motorists should consider the safety of others using Connecticut roadways not only this weekend, but throughout the summer months. Using courteous driving skills, planning for traffic delays and safe travel to and from our destinations are part of a safe Memorial Day Weekend.

The Connecticut State Police are reminding all motorists to please be observant and obey all rules of safety on our roads:

• BUCKLE UP
• OBEY SPEED LIMITS
• DON’T FOLLOW TOO CLOSE
• HAVE NO DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING
• STAY OFF THE CELLPHONE
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE

During Memorial Day Weekend 2013, motorists should be aware that State Police Troopers will use all methods of enforcement to increase highway safety. State Troopers will utilize laser units for speed enforcement and marked & unmarked, non-traditional police vehicles to patrol our highways and roadways.

The State Police Aviation Unit will provide an eye from the sky as they also patrol travel roads across the state.

“In the past we have seen several tragedies involving youth and motor vehicles.  These accidents remind us to pause and reflect on how important good driving skills and the actions of drivers can be,” said Colonel Danny R. Stebbins, Commander of the State  Police. “We are anticipating that enforcement efforts by Connecticut State Troopers will help to increase safety and provide us with a safer Memorial Day weekend.”

The Connecticut State Police ask motorists to join the State Police Team by exercising driving courtesy on the roads, thereby setting an example for the nation.  If you see a suspected drunk driver, stay a safe distance away and call 911, as this is a true emergency. 

Together, the State Police and the citizens of Connecticut can keep the state’s roadways safe for everyone.

As we begin this Memorial Day Holiday, the State Police enforcement operation is designed to remind all motorists to plan ahead:  if you drink, don’t drive.

The Connecticut State Police will participate in the National C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) program over this Memorial Day Weekend. The goal of this operation is to join State Police Agencies across the country to enhance safety in all states. Motorists are reminded to expect heavy traffic, exercise caution and allow extra time to reach their destination.

The Operation C.A.R.E. holiday weekend will begin on Friday, May 24, 2013, and will continue until midnight Monday, May 27, 2013. Connecticut State Troopers are joining all New England State Police Departments concentrating on enforcement of DUI and safety belt laws during the entire holiday weekend.

During Memorial Day Weekend in 2012, Connecticut State Police investigated 279 motor vehicle accidents and 1 fatal crash. Troopers arrested 77 drunk drivers, charged 1,797 motorists with speeding, and 816 with seat-belt violations.

Connecticut State Troopers will be on patrol over the entire holiday weekend.  The “Click It Or Ticket” Campaign, our first campaign of this summer season, is ongoing and will continue into the summer months. The goal of the State Police enforcement effort is to rid the roads of aggressive and impaired drivers.

For Memorial Day Weekend 2013, Troopers will concentrate enforcement on all hazardous moving violations, seat-belt use and illegal cell phone use!! Sobriety checkpoints will be set up at several locations throughout the state over the holiday weekend.

Remember, obey all traffic laws and pay attention to your speed, don’t drink and drive.  If you see a suspected drunk driver report it immediately by calling 911. The click word for all motorists and their passengers for the weekend should be: 

“BUCKLE-UP AND STAY OFF THE CELL PHONE:  IT’S THE LAW.”

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs, Stolen Leaf-Blower and Brush-Cutter, Evading Responsibility, Traveling Too Fast for Conditions, Burglaries and Larcenies through 5-14-13

Damage caused to a tree on Mott Lane near the intersection of the East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike in Moodus, as a result of a  motor-vehicle accident on 5-14-13 at approximately 1:30 a.m. Police charged the driver with DUI and Making a Restricted Turn.

The following information was provided by the East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester:

EVADING RESPONSIBILITY, FAILURE TO  DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT AND TRAVELING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS - On May 3 at approximately 1:12 a.m., Samuel Austin Shepley, 22, of Triangle Drive, Moodus was traveling eastbound on Clark Gates Road in Moodus, driving a 1998 Subaru Legacy. Police said that Shepley lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree. No injuries were reported, but Shepley was reportedly charged with the above violations.

BURGLARY, LARCENY AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - On May 6 at approximately 10:50 p.m., Erik LaFountain, 31, of Haywardville Road, East Haddam was arrested, pursuant to a warrant, and charged with 3rd-degree burglary, 3rd-degree larceny and 4th-degree criminal mischief. LaFountain was held on a $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Manchester Superior Court on 5/7/13.

LARCENY: LEAF BLOWER AND BRUSH CUTTER - On May 7, East Haddam Police received a report from a Haywardville Road, East Haddam resident, regarding an Echo back-pack leaf blower and Stihl brush-cutter (Model 370) that is missing from their residence. Anyone who may have any information that could help police with this investigation is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff 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.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY AND LARCENY - On May 13, the owner of E.W. Leonard, Inc., located on Rae Palmer Road in East Haddam, reported to police that his business had been entered over the weekend and items were removed. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or might have information about this incident is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff 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.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS AND MAKING A RESTRICTED TURN - On May 14 at approximately 1:30 a.m., William Swanson, 21, of Alfred Drive, Colchester was traveling southbound along Mott Lane, just north of the intersection with East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike in Moodus. Police said that he drove off of the right side of the roadway in the 2007 Hyundai Elantra he was operating, striking a tree. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle had to be towed from the scene due to heavy front-end damage. Police arrested Swanson, charging him with DUI and making a restricted turn. He was transported to Troop K, processed and later released on a $500 bond. Swanson is scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 5/29/13.

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.

More Stolen Boats on the Moodus Reservoir, Assault, Breach of Peace, Disorderly Conduct and DUI through 5-3-13

East Haddam Police on "Lake Patrol" at the Moodus Reservoir.

The following information was provided by the East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester:

BURGLARY AND LARCENY - On April 18 at approximately 8:24 p.m., Troop K was notified by a homeowner on William F. Palmer Road in Moodus that electronic equipment had been stolen from their residence. The case is under investigation, and anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or might have information that could help police is asked to contact Trooper Christopher Pariseau at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-537-7500.

MOTOR-VEHICLE ROLLOVER - On April 19 at approximately 3:03 a.m., Ferdinando Luccisano, 36, of Main Street, East Hartford was traveling southbound on Wickham Road in East Haddam, in a 2005 Mazda-6. Police report that, as Luccisano was attempting to negotiate a curve, he lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the northbound lane of travel and struck a tree on the opposite side of the road. The vehicle reportedly rolled over and came to a final rest on its roof. Luccisano was transported to the Marlborough Emergency Clinic for evaluation and treatment. The accident remains under investigation by police.

MOTOR-VEHICLE vs. STONE WALL AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS - On April 24 at approximately 2:41 p.m., police received a call about a Honda Accord that had impacted a stone wall on Schulman-Veselak Road in East Haddam. Police arrived and ascertained that Robert Mims, 24, of SchulmanVeselak Road was the operator of the vehicle, and that the accident had taken place in front of his own residence. Mims subsequently failed the standardized field sobriety tests and was arrested and charged with DUI. He was later released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 5/8/13 at Middletown Superior Court in Middletown.

BURGLARY - On April 26, a resident of Tater Hill Road, East Haddam reported that her home had been entered, and a laptop computer, cross-bow and Stihl chainsaw had been removed. Anyone who may have information that could help police with this investigation is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff 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: STOLEN ROWBOAT - On April 27, an aluminum rowboat was reported stolen from a property on Beach Road in East Haddam, in the Moodus Lake Shores section of the upper Moodus Reservior. Anyone who may have information about this incident 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.

LARCENY: STOLEN BOAT - On April 29, police received a complaint from a Shore Road, East Haddam resident, that a 12-foot aluminum boat had been stolen from their property on the upper Moodus Reservoir. Anyone with information that could help police with this investigation is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff 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.

ASSAULT - On April 29 at approximately 1:58 p.m., an East Haddam resident walked into the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office and stated that he had been assaulted over the past weekend, however had not sustained any injuries. East Haddam police are conducting an investigation into this incident.

BURGLARY AND LARCENY - On April 29, a Millington Road, East Haddam resident reported to police that their home had been entered sometime over the weekend, and a 40-42-inch Vizio flat-screen TV, a laptop computer and a gold watch had been taken. Anyone with possible information about this incident is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff 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.

BREACH OF PEACE AND ASSAULT - On April 29 at approximately 9:00 p.m., Christopher O'Neal, 33, of Westbrook Road, Essex was arrested and charged with breach of peace and 3rd-degree assault. O'Neal was processed at Troop K and then later released on a $2,500 bond. He was scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 5/14/13.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND ASSAULT - On May 1 at approximately 8:30 p.m., Daniel Barry, 53, of Town Street, Moodus was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and 3rd-degree assault, related to a domestic altercation with a family member. He was processed at Troop K, then later released on a $500 bond. Barry was given a court date of 5/2/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On May 1 at approximately 11:00 p.m., David Long, 28, of Palmer Martin Road, East Haddam was arrested, pursuant to a warrant, and charged with 2nd-degree failure to appear. Long was held on a $2,500 bond and scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on 5/2/13.

LARCENY - On May 3 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Daniel O'Mara, 23, of Berry Road, Moodus was arrested, pursuant to two active warrants, and charged with 6th-degree larceny. O'Mara was released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 5/14/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

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.

The Changing of the Guard: East Haddam Police & Fire

...Our town government has recently welcomed four new members to its work force.  Some of these faces will be familiar to residents.

On April 1, Karl Karabeinikoff assumed duties as a full-time East Haddam police officer.  Karl most recently served as a part-time East Haddam police officer and former East Haddam Animal Control Officer.  He is a retired law enforcement officer with over 24 years of experience with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, a division of the State Police, retiring with the rank of Sergeant.

Jeff Rhoades, one of East Haddam's current Resident Troopers, will be retiring from the State Police and joining the East Haddam Police Department as a full-time police officer on June 1.  Jeff will be retiring as a Trooper First Class from the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Safety, Division of the State Police after 20 years of service.  He will bring many years of experience and wealth of knowledge to our East Haddam Police Department.

Craig Mansfield began as the town's first Facilities, Operations and Emergency Services Director on April 15.  For the last 26 years Craig was the Director of Asset Protection for Bob Stores Inc. Craig wears many hats for the Town of East Haddam as he also serves as a part-time East Haddam police officer and our towns Emergency Management Director.  Craig will be an asset to our building infrastructure.

Jay Moreau joined the Town of East Haddam as a part-time Firefighter/EMT.  Jay is a retired West Hartford firefighter and came to East Haddam with 21 years of experience in emergency services.  He is a welcome addition to current Firefighter/EMT's Wick Haylon, Joel Zis and Ryan Scholes.

Please join us in welcoming Karl, Jeff, Craig & Jay in their new capacities to the family of East Haddam town employees.

- From the Desk of East Haddam First Selectman Mark Walter

...For more town news and information, visit East Haddam Events magazine online, or log on to the town website at EastHaddam.org