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.