Fatal Motorcycle Vs. Motor-Vehicle, Mailbox Vandalism, DUI's and Disorderly Conduct through 6-29-15

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

FAILURE TO CARRY INSURANCE IDENTIFICATION AND FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT - On June 22 at approximately 1:46 a.m., Brendan Fanslau, 19, of Sheepskin Hollow Road, East Haddam was traveling northbound on River Road in East Haddam, operating a 1996 Subaru Impreza. Police said that Fanslau lost control of his vehicle, traveled into the southbound lane and struck a small mound of grass. The vehicle sustained minor damage to the undercarriage, and no injuries were reported. Police issued Fanslau infractions for the above violations.

VANDALISM AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - On June 22 at approximately 8:16 a.m., East Haddam police received a complaint from a Daniels Road, East Haddam resident. The victim reported damage to their mailbox that occurred sometime during the evening hours of Sunday, June 21. Anyone with any knowledge of this incident is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabeinikoff at the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-891-8201. 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 FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT - On June 25 at approximately 1:51 p.m., East Haddam police received a complaint from a motorist regarding erratic operation of a vehicle traveling along Town Street in East Haddam. Police were able to locate a Toyota Highlander and initiated a motor-vehicle stop. After an investigation, Paul Buhl, 55, of Casner Road, East Haddam was subsequently arrested and charged with the above violations. Buhl was later released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 7/8/15.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS AND FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT - On June 26 at approximately 10:44 p.m., John Foster, 28, of Town Street, East Haddam was stopped by State Police on Route 151 in East Haddam for Failure to Drive Upon the Right. A subsequent investigation developed probable cause that Foster was operating under the influence of drugs, according to police. Foster was taken into custody and processed at Troop K. He was later released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 7/9/15 at Middletown Superior Court.

FATAL MOTORCYCLE VS. MOTOR-VEHICLE - On June 27 at approximately 3:59 p.m., State Police responded to the area of East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike and Launching Area Road in East Haddam, to investigate a two-vehicle crash. Police said that Rocco Albano, 62, of O'Connell Road, Colchester was killed when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle driven by Samantha Collette, 18, of Bartholomew Road, Middletown. The Connecticut State Police are asking for any witnesses or anyone with possible information to contact Trooper Thomas Kelo at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-456-5400, Ext.# 4009.

TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT - On June 29 at approximately 4:25 p.m., Joanne D'Amato, 52, address uncertain, Higganum had been traveling northbound on Route 151 in East Haddam, operating a 2006 Toyota Camry and was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Route 82. Jennifer McTigue, 54, of Woodland Grove Road, Waterford was traveling southbound in a 2015 Nissan Altima. Police said McTigue proceeded through the intersection, failing to come to a stop at the stop sign, and collided with D'Amato's vehicle as she was attempting to turn left onto Route 82. No injuries were reported.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On June 29 at approximately 10:10 p.m., State Troopers were dispatched to a Sipple's Hill, Moodus residence for a report of a physical domestic disturbance. After an investigation, Helen Stano, 79, of Long Crossing Trail, East Hampton was issued a misdemeanor summons on scene for the above violation. Stano was released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 6/30/15.

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

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Connecticut State Police to Promote Safe Driving for the Upcoming 4th of July Weekend

Connecticut State Troopers are ready to patrol in increased numbers to keep roads and highways safe for all travelers during the upcoming July 4^th holiday weekend.

Traffic will be on the rise during the long weekend, as many people will be driving through and around the state of Connecticut for cookouts, beach outings and fireworks. State Police will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) starting at midnight July 3^rd and running through 11:59 p.m. July 5^th.

Troopers will work to enhance safety and enforce laws across the state. Laser speed measuring units will be utilized to enforce speed on highways and secondary roads. Troopers will be strategically placed to reduce speeds on the highways and roadways during the holiday period.

In addition, Connecticut State Troopers will operate sobriety checkpoints in numerous locations in Connecticut. Sites for concentrated enforcement operations will be chosen where Troopers experience a high number of alcohol-involved crashes and incidents.

As a reminder, starting today, July 1, all Connecticut residents who have their license suspended after being charged with operating under the influence, will be required to install a breathalyzer on the ignition of their car. The breathalyzer, known as an ignition interlock device (IID), requires the driver to blow a breath sample into a tube in order for their car to start.

As always, the Connecticut State Police is doing everything possible to prevent accidents – especially fatal crashes – on Connecticut’s roads and highways. Troopers will utilize (as appropriate) laser units, and both marked and unmarked State Police patrol cars to enhance safety and to remove all drunk drivers from Connecticut’s roads.

“We ask all Connecticut residents to obey the rules of the road: Wear a seatbelt, keep both hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road, drive the speed limit and please be courteous to other drivers,” noted Dr. Dora B. Schriro, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “Your participation and cooperation matters.”

Colonel Brian Meraviglia, Commander of the Connecticut State Police, added: “Connecticut drivers can help State Troopers keep our highways safe by setting an example. Drive the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol and drive, and immediately report any suspected drunk drivers to police by calling 911, as this is a true emergency.”

If you plan to consume alcohol, always designate a driver so that this festive, enjoyable summer weekend does not turn into a tragedy. Never drink and drive.

During July 4^th 2014 weekend, Connecticut State Police issued the following number of summons:  1,559 for speeding; 42 DUI; and 297 seatbelt arrests. State Police investigated 312 motor vehicle crashes, 47 with injury, but no fatal crashes. Troopers also issued 3,841 tickets for other hazardous moving violations.

Information provided by:

Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
Connecticut State Police
Public Information Office