Stolen Motor-Vehicle, Illegal Use of a Credit Card, Distracted Driving, Interfering with an Emergency Call, Damage to Dog Park Fence, Assault and Threatening through 12-12-15

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

STOLEN MOTOR-VEHICLE AND ILLEGAL USE OF A CREDIT CARD - On Nov. 28 at approximately 11:32 p.m., East Haddam police were dispatched to a Schulman-Veselak Road, East Haddam residence for the report of a stolen car. The victim stated that Hailey Davis, 19, of the same address had taken the keys to a 2010 Ford Fusion, as well as a credit/debit card out of her purse and had left with the vehicle. The victim also told police that she had been able to track the use of her card to the town of Waterbury. During the police investigation, the accused perpetrator returned to the home and still had the credit/debit card in her possession. The 19-year-old was arrested and charged with 2nd-Degree Larceny, (theft of a motor vehicle) and Illegal Use of a Credit Card. Davis was originally held on a $5,000 bond, which was later changed to a written promise to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/8/15.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - On Dec. 1 at approximately 3:00 p.m., East Haddam police were dispatched to a Triangle Drive, Moodus address to investigate a physical dispute between a boyfriend and girlfriend.  Tracy Shepley, 57, of the same address and Douglas Wilson, 52, of LaBella Circle, Middletown were both arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct. They were later released on $1,500 bonds each and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/2/15.

MOTOR-VEHICLE VS DEER & TREE - On Dec. 1 at approximately 4:32 p.m., Daniel Newell, 42, of Town Street, Moodus was traveling northbound on Town Street in East Haddam in the area of Maple Avenue, operating a 1979 Ford F-100 pick-up truck. Police said that the driver struck a deer, swerved off the right-hand side of the road and collided with a tree. No injuries were reported, but the driver was issued a written warning for Traveling Too Fast for Conditions.

MOTOR-VEHICLE ROLLOVER - On Dec. 7 at approximately 7:09 a.m., a 17-year-old driver of Wickham Road, East Haddam was traveling northbound on Falls-Bashan Road in the area of Woodland Road in Moodus, operating a 1997 Toyota Camry. Another 17-year-old female driver of Whitman Road, Moodus was traveling westbound on Woodland Road, operating a 1997 Honda Civic. Police said that as the driver of the Honda was attempting to turn right onto Falls-Bashan Road, the vehicles collided, causing the Toyota to roll over. The driver of the Honda was issued a written warning for Failure to Grant the Right-of-Way at a Private Road.

DISTRACTED DRIVING AND FAILURE TO DRIVE UPON THE RIGHT - On Dec. 8 at approximately 3:36 p.m., Laurinda Marsilio, 50, of Pine Road, East Haddam was traveling northbound on Eli Chapman Road near the intersection of Mott Lane in Moodus, operating a 2008 Nissan Versa. Veronica Jones, 25, of Ballahack Road #2 was traveling southbound on Eli Chapman Road, operating a 2010 Chevy Cobalt. Police said that Jones crossed the center line and struck Marsilio's vehicle. She was issued a written warning for Failure to Drive Upon the Right and Distracted Driving (use of cell phone). Marsilio was transported to the Marlborough Clinic for evaluation and treatment.

DAMAGE TO DOG PARK FENCE - On Dec. 10 at approximately 1:54 p.m., East Haddam police were dispatched to the East Haddam Dog Park on the East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike in Moodus to investigate damages caused to the chain-link fence. The damage occurred sometime between Wednesday, Dec. 9 and Thursday Dec. 10. Anyone with possible information is asked to contact Officer Jeff Rhoades at 860-891-8200. 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, INTERFERING WITH AN EMERGENCY CALL, ASSAULT AND THREATENING - On Dec. 12 at approximately 5:04 p.m., Mark Anson Davis, 48, of Red Mill Lane, Moodus was taken into custody at a residence located on Wangonk Trail in East Hampton, pursuant to a warrant for his arrest related to a domestic violence incident. The accused was held on a $100,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/14/15.

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Please be advised that 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.​

Connecticut State Police Prepare for Holiday Highway Enforcement

Connecticut State Troopers remind motorists that combining careful planning with sensible driving will lead to safer holiday trips for all making a trek during the busiest travel week of the year.

With lower gasoline prices this month, many more travelers are expected to drive on Connecticut highways during the upcoming holidays.  State Police ask motorists to follow all driving laws, as their behavior on the roads is essential to keeping potential hazards at a distance. 

Simply putting traffic laws into practice will prevent accidents and save lives:   

• Drive the speed limit.
• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
• Signal when turning, changing lanes or taking an exit.
• Refrain from texting or using your phone.
• Never consume alcohol or prescription drugs before you get behind the wheel.
• Move over (when safe to do so) whenever law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances or tow trucks are occupying a lane. Please give them room to do their job efficiently and safely.

Drivers are also reminded to plan their trips with care:

• Fill the gas tank prior to your journey.
• Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid and tire pressure.
• Fully charge your cell phone.
• Carry winter blankets, drinking water and snacks
• Check traffic conditions before leaving home
• Keep a shovel and sand or salt in the trunk of your vehicle.

“Your cooperation is critical to ensuring the well-being of all who are driving our roads throughout the holiday week. Whenever you get behind the wheel, the safety of the motoring public must be your top priority,” said Dora B. Schriro, Commissioner of the Department of
Emergency Services and Public Protection.

“Our Troopers will be patrolling highways with a keen focus on those driving with distractions and those operating under the influence. Please be our partner in keeping the roadways safe for all by obeying all rules of the road,” noted Colonel Brian Meraviglia, Commanding Officer of the CT State Police.

State Police will operate roving patrols and conduct DUI checkpoints starting December 23, 2015, and continuing through January 3, 2016.  Please see list of patrols and checkpoints HERE.

Information provided by the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection, Connecticut State Police, Public Information Office

Criminal Trespass, Distracted Driving, Failure to Appear in Court, DUI and Larceny through 11-25-15

Radio Communications Tower at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K.

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

FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On Nov. 15 at approximately 10:04 p.m., Matthew Lafo, 27, of Grapevine Road, Higganum was arrested and charged with (2) counts of 1st-Degree Failure to Appear in Court and (1) count of 2nd-Degree Failure to Appear in Court. According to the State of Connecticut, Judicial Branch website (http://www.jud2.ct.gov/), he is currently facing previous charges of Violation of Probation, Conspiracy to Commit 3rd-Degree Burglary and Failure to Appear in Court.  Lafo was held in lieu of court-set bonds totaling $85,000 and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 11/25/15.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS - On Nov. 19 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Christopher Millette, 28, of Grist Mill Road, Moodus turned himself in to Troop K based on an active warrant related to the charge of 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass. Millette was processed according to State Police policy and procedure, released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 12/28/15 at ​Hartford​ Superior Court.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS, FAILURE OF DRIVER MAKING A LEFT TURN TO GRANT THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AND DISTRACTED DRIVING - On Nov. 24 at approximately 11:20 a.m., Dena Zeim-Grandmaison, 42, of Woodmont Circle, East Haddam was arrested, pursuant to an active warrant related to a 3/6/15 motor-vehicle accident on Route 149 in Moodus, and charged with the above violations. Ziem-Grandmaison was released on a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 12/9/15.

​OPERATING A MOTOR-VEHICLE UNDER SUSPENSION, FAILURE TO USE A SEAT BELT AND FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT - On Nov. 24 at approximately 5:34 p.m., Kevin Butler, 25, of Town Street, Moodus​ turned himself in to Troop K after being advised of an outstanding warrant by Middletown Superior Court, related to the above charges. Butler was released on a $250 bond and given a court date of 12/3/15 at Middletown Superior Court.

LARCENY - On Nov. 25 at approximately 5:45 p.m., Francis Carisio, 29, of Jasmine Lane, Wolcott was located by Newington Police Department and turned over to Troop K for processing, based on an active warrant for his arrest for 6th-Degree Larceny. The warrant was related to an incident that took place on 9/20/15 when a bottle of liquor was reported stolen from the Moodus Package Store. Carisio was held on a $200 cash bond and given a court date of 12/8/15 at Middletown Superior Court.

Please be advised that 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 these reports as they are posted, just send a request to TheNeighborhoodWatchReport@gmail.com

Holiday Safety & Shopping Tips from the Connecticut State Police

It's the heart of the holiday shopping season, and the race is on to find those special gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.

East Haddam residents are fortunate to have so many great local stores and gift shops to chose from, right here in town. But for those of us who will venture out to the shopping malls and surrounding towns and cities, the Connecticut State Police have some important tips to keep you and your family safe. 

Following this advice can reduce the opportunity criminals have to target you, your family or your personal property:

•  Lock your cars while shopping and while parked at home;  move valuables out of  sight.
•  Shop with friends/family; remember safety in numbers.
•  Never leave your vehicle running when you go into a store.
•  Never leave children unattended in the store or alone in a  vehicle. (as well as  being dangerous, you can be charged  criminally)
•  Teach your children about stranger safety. 
•  Keep your purse close to you; carry your wallet in your  front pocket.
•  Don’t leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
•  Have your keys out when approaching your vehicle.
•  Be aware of your surroundings.
•  Keep purchased merchandise in your trunk/out of view.
•  Park in a well-lit area if shopping at night. 
•  Alert store security/police if you see an unattended bag.
•  Alert store security/police if you notice someone acting  suspiciously. 
•  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
•  Only give cash to someone at a register; be alert for  criminals posing as  employees. 
•  Be alert for strangers/con-artists distracting you while  another person takes  your purse/wallet.

Many of us will choose​ not to travel, but rather do their holiday shopping from home, on the internet. Online thieves and hackers can be a threat, and police have some advice to keep your accounts and information secure:

•  Make sure the computer you’re using has security  software/anti-virus/spyware/ firewalls.
•  Keep your login usernames and passwords secure.
•  Only shop from secure websites; look for the padlock icon  in the URL or at the  bottom of the screen. Also make sure  the URL starts with https:// 
•  Only shop from reputable companies, i.e. Amazon.com,  Macys.com,  Bestbuy.com, etc. Look for tricks in the URL  such as Amazon.net,  Bestbye.com, Maceys.com
•  Never send personal information via email to “verify”  information; legitimate  companies/banks would never ask  you to do this.
•  Online shopping companies do not need your social  security number; asking for your SSN is a red flag.
•  Save receipts/email confirmations for purchases made  online. 
•  Review bank statements to double-check transactions and  identify any suspicious activity.

An alternative to using your credit card online would be to purchase a gift card with a pre-set amount on it, which are available at most convenience stores or pharmacies. They charge a small activation fee, but can be used just as you would use any credit/debit card.

If you're planning to have packages delivered directly to your home rather than the post office and your door-step is visible from the road, consider asking a neighbor to watch for and pick up the package if you're not going to be home on the day it's expected to arrive. Thieves have been "in the news" and caught on surveillance cameras, picking up packages that have been dropped off by the parcel delivery trucks.

For more tips about online shopping safety, you can visit StaySafeOnline.org at  https://www.staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/online-shopping

Have a safe & happy holiday season!

*Photo credit Dreamstime.com