Suspicious Incident, Evading the Scene of an Accident, Assault, Threatening, Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with an Emergency Call, DUI, Larceny, MVA's and Failure to Appear in Court through 2-18-14

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

MOTOR-VEHICLE VS TREE - On Feb. 3 at approximately 7:53 a.m., Theodore Paluha, 46, of Town Farm Road, East Haddam was traveling eastbound on Mount Parnassus Road in East Haddam, in a 2012 Dodge Ram pick-up truck. Police said that Paluha traveled off the ice and snow-covered roadway, striking a tree on the right-hand shoulder. Both Paluha and his passenger, 50 year-old Andrew Priest of AP Gates Road in East Haddam suffered cuts on their faces from broken glass as a result of the impact. Paluha was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of his injuries.

EVADING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT - On Feb. 3 at approximately 3:50 p.m., East Haddam Police were called to the Hilltop BBQ Steakhouse on Ray Palmer Road in Moodus, to investigate a complaint of damage to a vehicle parked in the parking lot. Police said that a green Ford pick-up truck had impacted a grey Honda Accord, causing damage to the right/front quarter-panel and then left the scene. Anyone who may 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.

MOTOR-VEHICLE VS TREE - On Feb. 3 at approximately 8:11 p.m., East Haddam Police responded to the report of a one-car accident, into a tree with injuries. According to police, Nicole Claps, 24, of Charles-Mary Drive, East Hampton was traveling southbound on Route 151 in East Haddam, just south of Moodus-Leesville Road, operating a 2003 Toyota Camry. Claps lost control of the vehicle on the wet roadway, crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a tree. Claps was transported to Middlesex Hospital by East Haddam Ambulance for evaluation and treatment of injuries. The vehicle sustained extensive damage to the entire right side and had to be towed from the scene. Police issued Claps a written warning for Traveling Too Fast for Conditions.

TWO-VEHICLE COLLISION - On Feb 4 at approximately 6:37 a.m., Leeshawn Bartell, 34, of Woodland Drive, Cromwell was traveling westbound on Bogue Lane in East Haddam, operating a 1993 Honda Prelude. Police report that Bartell's vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane, striking a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, being operated by Jared Rennie, address unknown. No injuries were reported, and the vehicles sustained only minor damage. Police issued Bartell a Misdemeanor Summons for Improper Use of Marker Plates, Illegal Operation of a Motor-Vehicle Without Insurance, Operating an Unregistered Motor-Vehicle and Traveling Too Fast for Conditions.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS AND FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT - On Feb 4 at approximately 11:53 a.m., Amber Blandina, 25, of West Ridge Road, Colchester turned herself in to Troop K pursuant to an outstanding warrant, and was arrested and charged with the above violations. Blandina was released on a $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 2/26/14.

SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT - On Feb. 4 at approximately 12:00 noon, State Police were dispatched to investigate the report of a newer, white van that was observed in the area of 132 East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike in Moodus. The van stopped and a white male, estimated to be in his 20's or 30's, with dark hair, wearing a black knit cap, exited the vehicle and grabbed a young, white female with brown hair by the waist and forced her into the passenger side of the van. The female was wearing a light pink coat, possibly a backpack, and holding a teddy bear. She was yelling for help and kicking and struggling, attempting to prevent herself from being thrown into the van. The girl was previously seen by another witness, walking westward on East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike (towards Town Street) approximately two minutes prior to her being forced into the van. 

At the time of this report, the Connecticut State Police has no other leads and has not received any complaints of a missing person. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Trooper Michael Falana at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester at 860-465-5411.

EVADING RESPONSIBILITY - On Feb. 12 at approximately 11:40 a.m., Hayden Cavallari, 18, of Longwood Drive, Colchester was traveling westbound on Ackley Road, near the intersection of Wickham Road in East Haddam, driving a 2006 Subaru Forester. Harold Moritz, 51, of Geoffrey Road, East Haddam was traveling eastbound in a 2010 Honda Fit. Police said that the vehicles both collided on a curve, and Cavallari reportedly left the scene. He was later located and stopped by police on Early Road in East Haddam, and charged with Evading Responsibility. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

LARCENY - On Feb. 13 at approximately 9:27 a.m., a contractor reported the theft of copper from a construction site on Main Street in East Haddam. This case is under investigation, and anyone with information 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, THREATENING AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On Feb. 14 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Christopher Lewis, 36, of Main Street, Old Saybrook was arrested and charged with 3rd-Degree Assault, Threatening and Disorderly Conduct. Lewis was released on a $2,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 2/18/14.

FAILURE TO OBEY A STOP SIGN - On Feb. 16 at approximately 3:20 p.m., Iain Horwath, 24, of Ferry Road, Hadlyme was traveling eastbound on Route 82 in East Haddam, operating a 1999 Honda Accord. Bridget Stewart, 29, of Brushy Hill Road, Lyme was traveling northbound on Route 156, driving a 1995 Mercury Tracer. Police said that Stewart entered the intersection of Routes 82 and 156 without yielding the right-of-way to Horwath's vehicle, and his vehicle impacted the left, rear section of Stewart's vehicle. Police issued Stewart an infraction for Failure to Obey a Stop Sign. No injuries were reported.

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On Feb. 18 at approximately 8:43 p.m., Kyle Grechika, 31, of Mott Lane, Moodus turned himself in to Troop K, related to an outstanding warrant for his arrest for Failure To Appear in Court. Grechika was later released on a $2,000 bond and given a court date of 3/4/14 at New Britain 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.

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

Police Close Boat Launch Due to Hazardous Conditions

This past week, more than a half-dozen vehicles have gotten stuck on the ice and snow-covered lower Moodus Reservoir boat launch access road, including one of the heavy-duty commercial wreckers sent to retrieve two of the disabled cars.

Several other vehicles had met with the same fate over the past few weeks, and 4-wheel-drives were not exempt from the problems. 

Due to public safety concerns, police have closed the access road and taped off the entrance to the boat launch area at this time.

For more photos and information related to the winter weather challenges at the Moodus Reservoir, visit Moodus Reservoir Preservation Group on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moodus-Reservoir-Preservation-Group/488742444530491

Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You...

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. 2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier. 3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have. 4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it. 5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house...Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway. 6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy. 7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. 8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather. 9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)    10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. 11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. 12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. 13. A loud TV or radio left on while you're away from home can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.    14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook. 15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors. 16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature. 17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it? 18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets. 19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address. Parents: caution your kids about this. You see this every day.    20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation. 21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Protection for you and your home: ..."If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you."

Wasp Spray... A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead. The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote.  She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. On the heels of a break-in and beating that left an elderly woman in Sylvania, Ohio dead, self-defense experts have a tip that they believe could save your life. Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed. Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them." Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "Spray the culprit in the eyes!"  It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says to use the spray. "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out, maybe even save a life."   Car Keys... Put your car keys beside your bed at night. Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr.'s office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run into, "Put your car keys beside your bed at night." If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:  It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.  It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.  And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.  This could also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, or even a fall outside (especially in icy weather when slips and falls can happen more readily) where you're unable to reach a phone.

Sources: Security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs "CrimeDoctor.com" and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book "Burglars on the Job."  The above article and information was contributed by an East Haddam Neighborhood Watch Report reader.

Larceny of Home Heating Oil, Harassment, Violation of a Protective Order, Disorderly Conduct and DUI through 1-29-14

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

MOTOR-VEHICLE VS ROAD SIGN AND MAILBOX - On Jan. 22 at approximately 10:00 p.m., an unknown vehicle was traveling southbound on Town Street (Route 151) in the area of School Drive in Moodus, when it reportedly impacted a speed limit sign and residential mailbox. East Haddam Police are investigating, and anyone with information 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.

HARASSMENT AND VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER - On Jan. 23 at approximately 5:15 p.m., James Valli, 39, of South Main Street, East Hampton was arrested and charged with 2nd-degree harassment and criminal violation of a protective order. Valli was released on a $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 1/24/14. 

TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT - On Jan. 23 at approximately 8:48 p.m., Terry Christopher, 33, of North Cliff Street, Norwich was traveling westbound on Route 82 in East Haddam, just east of Baker Lane, operating a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. Nicholas Wilson, 26, of Laurel Point Drive, Oakdale was traveling eastbound on Route 82, driving a 2005 Subaru Impreza. Police said that Nicholas' vehicle vehicle veered left, entering the westbound lane and colliding with Christopher's vehicle. Christopher's vehicle came to an uncontrolled final rest, just off the westbound shoulder with the front end of the vehicle facing in a southwesterly direction. No injuries were reported, but both vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to heavy damages sustained from the accident.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS AND FAILURE TO DRIVE A REASONABLE DISTANCE APART -  East Haddam Police responded to a 2-car accident on Eli Chapman Road at approximately 2:43 p.m. on Jan. 24, when a Lincoln Navigator being operated by Catherine Stone, 38, of Lakeside Drive, East Haddam had struck another vehicle from behind. Police said that Stone had failed the standardized field sobriety tests and was arrested and charged with the above violations. Stone was processed at Troop K and later released on a $500 bond, and given a court date of 2/5/14 at Middletown Superior Court.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On Jan. 24 at approximately 9:57 p.m., Daniel Newell, 40, of Palmer Martin Road, East Haddam was arrested and charged with the above violation. Newell was released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 1/27/14.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS, FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT AND FAILURE TO HAVE HEADLAMPS PROPERLY ILLUMINATED - On Jan. 25 at approximately 2:00 a.m., John Brophy, 25, of West Street Heights, Cromwell was arrested for the above violations. Brophy was released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 2/4/14 at Middletown Superior Court.

LARCENY OF RESIDENTIAL HEATING OIL - On Jan. 28, Troop K began an investigation into a complaint that home heating oil has been stolen. It is suspected that the oil is being siphoned from the oil fill pipe, from a residence on Cedar Meadow Road in Moodus.  The case is under investigation, and anyone with possible information is asked to contact Trooper Abigail Belcher at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-465-5400. If you think it's possible that you may have been a victim of a similar crime, call the Troop to report it.

MOTOR-VEHICLE VS TREE - On Jan. 29 at approximately 7:37 a.m., Joseph (Schlueter) Walsh, 20, of Clark Hill Road, East Haddam was traveling northbound on Mill Road, just prior to Hungerford Road in East Haddsm, operating a 2011 Nissan Versa. Police said Walsh lost control of his vehicle, slid off the roadway and struck a tree. 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.

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

Residential Burglary, Larceny of Construction Material, DUI, Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Violation of Probation and Motor Vehicle Accidents through 1-21-14

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

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On Jan. 16, Ryland Robinson, 25, of Mount Parnassus Road, East Haddam turned himself in to Troop K, related to a warrant for his arrest for 2nd-degree failure to appear in court. Robinson was released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 1/28/14.

LARCENY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL - On Jan. 17 at 10:16 a.m., East Haddam Police received a complaint from a builder that was working at a construction site on Moodus-Leesville Road in Moodus. It was reported that 25 pieces of plywood had been removed from the site. The case is under investigation, and anyone with possible information 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.

TWO-VEHICLE COLLISION - On Jan. 17 at approximately 1:42 p.m., David Marchinkoski, 48, of Bow Lane, Cromwell was traveling along Route 82 in East Haddam, in the area of Ray Hill Road, driving a 2004 Ford F-350. Thomas Clark, 61, of Griswold Avenue, Old Lyme was also traveling on Route 82 in the opposite direction, operating a 2011 Chevy Express van. Police said that Clark's vehicle side-swiped Marchinkoski's side-view mirror, causing minor damage. No injuries were reported.

MOTOR-VEHICLE ACCIDENT - On Jan. 17 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a 16-year-old driver of Westwood Drive, Moodus was traveling along Mott Lane in Moodus, operating a 2001 Volvo S-40. Police said the juvenile went off the side of the road while attempting to negotiate a sharp left turn in the road. The juvenile was found to be at fault for the accident, and was issued a motor-vehicle summons for speeding. No injuries were reported.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS AND FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT - On Jan. 18 at approximately 3:00 p.m., State Police initiated a motor-vehicle stop for a routine violation. After a subsequent investigation, police arrested Cynthia Jacome, 64, of East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike, Moodus and charged her with the above violations. Jacome was released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 2/4/14 at Norwich Superior Court.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY - On Jan. 19, State Police received a report of a residential burglary in the area of Eli Chapman Road in Moodus. The suspect has been described as a white male, approximately 5'9" tall and 20 years old, with no facial hair. This case is under investigation, and anyone with possible information is asked to contact Trooper Carly Topulos at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester at 860-465-5455, ext. #4094. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the confidential Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND ASSAULT - On Jan. 20 at approximately 3:30 a.m., Kristopher Kahle, 31, Of Davidson Road, Colchester was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and 3rd-degree assault. Kahle was released on a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on 1/21/14.

VIOLATION OF PROBATION - On Jan. 21 at 10:22 a.m., Gregory Hallowell, 23, of East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike, Moodus was arrested and charged with (2) counts of violation of probation. Hallowell was held on separate bonds of $5,000 and $50,000 and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 1/22/14.

TWO-CAR ACCIDENT - On Jan. 21 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Shayne Lein, 22, of Falls-Bashan Road, Moodus was stopped on Route 82, just east of Hem Street in a 1991 Volvo 740, due to icy road conditions. Hicham Nmiri, 37, of Plaza Drive, Middletown was traveling westbound on Route 82, driving a 1998 Ford Taurus. Police said that Nmiri was unable to stop his vehicle, striking Lein's vehicle and then traveling off the right side of the roadway. No injuries were reported.

TWO-VEHICLE COLLISION - On Jan. 21 at approximately 3:23 p.m., Deborah Blandina, 48, of West Ridge Drive, Colchester was traveling westbound on Mott Lane in Moodus, operating a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, about 200 feet east of Eli Chapman Road. Michael Walsh, 44, of East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike, East Haddam was traveling eastbound on Mott Lane, driving a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Walsh reportedly slid on the snowy road surface and collided with Blandina's vehicle. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to front-end damage. No injuries were reported.

MOTOR-VEHICLE VS TREE - On Jan. 21 at approximately 4:06 p.m., Jason Rasinowich, 29, of Niagra Lane, Maple Grove, Minnesota was traveling northbound on Moodus-Leesville Road in Moodus, operating a 2005 Mazda. Rasinowich lost control of the vehicle on the icy, snowy roadway, traveling in a straight direction off the right-hand shoulder of the roadway at a curve, striking a tree. 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.

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