CT State EnCon Police
East District Highlights
June 2018

Untimely Deaths
On Saturday June 16, 2018 EnCon Police Officers Ruggiero, Mazzotta, Acting Sergeant Tavares and Captain Lundin responded to Millers Pond State Park, Haddam/Durham, along with fire/rescue personnel, divers, and State Police divers for a 27 year old male reported going under the water while swimming with a friend. The victim was recovered from the water within an hour, and despite lifesaving efforts he was pronounced deceased about twenty minutes later. Next of kin were notified and the victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. EnCon Police continue to investigate.
On the evening of June 23rd, 2018 officers Curran and Reilly (with K9 Hunter) and Sergeant Dwyer responded to Black Pond State Boat Launch and Wildlife Management Area, Middlefield, on a State Police report of a vehicle being found belonging to a missing and endangered 55 year old female from Wallingford, who last seen that morning. After suspending the search due to dangerous conditions of fog, light rain and darkness on the trap rock ridges, the search resumed with more officers the following morning. The search resulted in locating the missing female deceased at the base of a ridge in the WMA. Next of kin were on scene and notified while Middlefield, Meriden and South District (Middletown) fire personnel used boats and climbing gear to retrieve the victim’s body from the unstable ledge back across the pond to Medical Examiner personnel at the launch. The investigation of this apparent suicide by EnCon Police and the OCME continues.
Boating Enforcement / Operation Dry Water
Eastern District officers stepped up their efforts to ensure safe boating as weather conditions heated up, and participated in Operation Dry Water, the nationwide Boating Under the Influence (BUI) campaign the weekend of June 29th through July 1st. Despite the heat and lower vessel traffic volume, on June 30th Officers Landry, Mazzotta, Tefft, Sergeant Dwyer and Captain Lundin patrolled the Connecticut River by vessel and the state boat launches at Haddam Meadows and Salmon River. Officer Curran and Acting Sergeant Tavares patrolled Coventry Lake as part of a fireworks detail. Over 60 vessels and 150 boaters were contacted, eight boating violations were issued, and no one was detected under the influence. Some boaters stated they were checked by our partner agencies (Coast Guard, local marine police), indicating a successful deterrence effort by all involved and a clear message to vessel operators.
On June 10th, Officer Ruggiero encountered a canoe and two kayaks at Mashapaug Lake, Union, without any PFDs aboard, and cited the operators for the violations; later, he found 5 more paddle craft vessels at Mansfield Hollow launch similarly without any flotation devices and issued further citations.
Encroachment Investigations
Through the month of June 2018, DEEP EnCon Police Officer Ruggiero, along with Parks and Land Acquisition / Management personnel had engaged a property owner abutting Airline Trail State Park in Columbia to cease storage and remove personal items, including but not limited to numerous vehicles and trailers. Following a successful intervention, the encroachment ceased and by the end of the month the violator complied with directions and removed all items from DEEP property, now fully surveyed and marked.
On June 6th, while continuing an investigation of severe encroachment (over 100 trees cut, damaged or removed) on Kollar Wildlife Management Area, Tolland, with Land Acquisition personnel, Officer Landry found the 19 year old male suspect in this case actively continuing to vandalize previously cut trees that are part of the encroachment investigation. The suspect had a truck loaded with brush and an unregistered Polaris Razor UTV on marked state property; the suspect and his father (adjacent landowner) were fully aware of the ongoing investigation, and the young male stated he was clearing the area (state property) of trees he had previously cut. He was cited for three ATV violations and vandalism for this day’s incident (over $300 fines); the main encroachment investigation continues.
Recreational Enforcement Incidents
On June 3rd Officer Mazzotta was patrolling Cockaponset State Forest, Haddam and encountered five All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) operating on forest trails. All operators were cited for the unauthorized use violations.
On June 17th Officer Landry responded to Scantic River State Park / Powder Hollow area, and issued three citations for illegal alcohol possession. One of the citations escalated into additional disorderly conduct charges when the 29 year old female responded with countless profanities in the presence of other park patrons; later, another male received additional littering charges after throwing his ticket on the ground.
On the evening of June 23rd Officers Williams and Mazzotta responded to the Mt. Misery campground in Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown for multiple 911 calls from adjacent campsites in a heated verbal dispute, with alcohol involved, threatening words and belligerent behavior. Two males ages 31 and 69 were cited for disorderly conduct / public disturbance and evicted from the campgrounds, along with a 30 year old involved female.
On June 26th Officer Williams and the State Police went to Billings Lake state boat launch in North Stonington for an intoxicated 32 year old male having verbal disputes with other launch users. He and a female companion were cited for public disturbance and were then evicted from the launch.
On June 30th, during Operation Dry Water enforcement, Officer Williams and Sergeant Dwyer responded to Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middlefield, for a 50 year old disoriented female, apparently intoxicated, who had fallen down, cut her leg, and yelled profanities at a Good Samaritan and responding units who tried to assist her. She eventually calmed down, refused medical services, and was released to a competent driver after being cited for disorderly conduct.
Public Outreach Events, Drills, and Training
Eastern District officers participated in several outreach events throughout the month of June, including three officers at the Great Park Pursuit Boating outing at Mansfield Hollow State Park and Mansfield Reservoir emphasizing paddle sports safety to families. Officers also joined in Public School Safety Days at Preston and at Salem Elementary School. Officers also instructed hunting laws to a CEFS Bow hunting course in Durham, recertifying police officers in Montville, and assisted the Radiation Division with a Millstone facility drill. All District officers attended day-long firearms training throughout the month at the Glastonbury range with agency instructors, and several officers assisted with a day-long Physical Agility Assessment for potential new EnCon Police officers at the CT Police Academy in Meriden.

CT State EnCon Police
Marine District Highlights
June 2018

Boating Enforcement
On June 2nd, 2018 Officer Bouthillier was conducting boating enforcement on the Four Mile River in East Lyme and observed two individuals paddling stand-up paddleboards without having the required PFD’s (Personal Flotation Device) on board. After May 31st PFD’s do not have to be worn on paddle craft but must be onboard and available for each person on board. Infractions were issued to each and their voyage was terminated.
On June 29th EnCon Officers along with the USCG, Old Saybrook Police and CT State Police participated in Operation Drywater on the CT River and Long Island Sound. During the course of the evening numerous vessels were checked for safety and registration violations resulting in several warnings. Officer Blackwell issued a misdemeanor summons to one individual for operating a vessel while under the influence. The individual had a blood alcohol content of .09. The legal limit in CT is .08.
Park Enforcement
Also June 9th, 2018 EnCon Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at Hammonasset Beach State Park in which five individuals, all under 21 years of age, were found to be in possession of alcohol. All were given verbal warnings and additionally were evicted from the park. The alcoholic beverages was disposed. Later that afternoon the same individuals were again found on the beach drinking alcohol. Further investigation revealed the individuals had numerous bottles of alcoholic beverages which included: New Amsterdam Vodka, Ciroc French Vanilla Vodka, Corona beer, Malibu Coconut Rum, Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka, Capriccio Bubbly Sangria, Tisdale wine and a bottle of peach Four Loco. Also located in a backpack were a digital scale, a clear plastic bag and a prescription bottle, both containing marijuana. A search of another bag contained a glass smoking bong and a metal marijuana leaf grinder. All said individuals were cited for possession of alcohol by a minor and simple trespass. One individual was also cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
On June 11th, 2018 EnCon Officers Blackwell, Logiodice and Bouthillier responded to Great Island Wildlife Management Area in Old Lyme for a report of an unattended vessel and several individuals illegally camping on the island and burying their trash. Further investigation revealed that there were nine people in total who established an illegal campsite and had brought commercial grade DJ equipment, a generator and several tents. The individuals were ordered to clean up the site and were escorted off the island. Each were issued $92.00 infractions for simple trespass and $319.00 for littering.
On June 18th Officer Bouthillier responded to Bluff Point State Park for a complaint of a white male that had exposed himself to a female. The individual was located and denied any allegations regarding any sexual misconduct. Officer Bouthillier interviewed the woman who related the male exposed his genitals within a foot and a half of her face and asked her if she wanted to go to the beach with him. Officer Bouthillier arrested the male for Breach of Peace 2nd Degree and Public Indecency.
Fishing Enforcement
On June 10th, 2018 Officer Bruno was patrolling the area of Dock Rd. in Waterford. On two separate occasions while conducting fishing compliance checks, two separate individuals were found to be in possession of tautog during the closed season. Each were issued infractions for the violations. One individual was also issued an infraction for operating a vessel without a valid registration. Also on the same day Officer Blackwell issued infractions to two individuals in Old Saybrook for illegal possession of tautog as well as undersized tautog.
On June 21st, 2018 EnCon Officer Bruno was patrolling the Niantic River conducting fishing enforcement and received a complaint of an individual keeping short striped bass. Officer Bruno located the suspect and was able to check his catch revealing one short striped bass and one tautog. Tautog season is currently closed at this time. The individual was issued an infraction for the tautog and a verbal warning for the short striped bass which was able to be released back into the water.
Search & Rescue
On June 9th, 2018 at approximately 10:30 PM EnCon Officers long with the USCG and New Haven PD responded to the Quinnipiac River for a report of two overdue kayakers. According to a relative the two had been drinking and were possibly intoxicated. Within thirty minutes the two kayakers were located by the USCG towards the mouth of the river close to shore. They were brought in safe and sound.
On June 10th, 2018 at approximately 2130 hours EnCon Officers along with West Haven PD, West Haven FD and USCG responded to Beach Street in West Haven for a report of a 12’ aluminum vessel that had washed up on the shore of Long Island Sound with a wallet and cell phone inside. The only identification found in the wallet was a New Jersey fishing license and a Honduras passport. There was no identifying registration or markings on the vessel. Attempts were made through New Jersey State Police to make contact with the individual on the fishing license with negative results. A full blown search was then conducted by the USCG and surrounding local agencies including EnCon Police and air support from the USCG / Air Station Cape Cod. At 0400 hours the next morning, West Haven Police made contact with a family member in New Jersey who related that the individual (whose wallet and cellphone were in the vessel) was accompanied by five other family members when their boat capsized. They were all able to swim to shore and then drove back to New Jersey leaving the vessel, wallet and cell phone behind. The search was cancelled.
Medical/ Public Safety
On June 13th, 2018 EnCon Officers responded to Hammonassett Beach State Park for a report of a female that had overdosed on West Beach. Paramedics along with Madison PD arrived on scene and observed said female unconscious slumped over in a beach chair. Naloxone was administered to the female of which counteracted the life-threatening effects. The female was transported to a local hospital and made a full recovery.
Summary
During the month of June EnCon Officers issued numerous infractions and summons for motor vehicle violations at Hammonasset State Park as well as alcohol and disorderly infractions. EnCon Officers also issued several infractions for boating violations in the CT River for wake zone violations as well as registration issues.

CT State EnCon Police
West District Highlights
June 2018

BOATING ENFORCEMENT/ACCIDENTS:

On 6/19/2018 at approximately 14:15 hours, New Fairfield Police and Squantz Engine Company, State Police, and State EnCon Police were dispatched to Candlewood Lake, New Fairfield to assist in searching for a missing person in the water. Upon arrival, one female victim was rescued from the water by a Good Samaritan vessel. The female victim was transported to Danbury Hospital for serious physical injuries sustained. During the course of the investigation State EnCon Police identified an evading vessel that left the scene. The operator, Gary Morrone (Age 65) from Oakville CT was placed under arrest by State EnCon Police for the following violations; Reckless operation of vessel 1st degree, Failure to help collision victim, and Failure to immediately notify law enforcement of injury. Morrone was released on a $10,000 dollar surety bond with a court date of 7/3/2018 at G.A. 3 Danbury. The Western District Boating Accident Reconstruction Unit continues to actively investigate this case.

On 06/30/2018 at approximately 21:30 hours, DEEP EnCon Police conducting a patrol check of Candlewood Lake Lattin's Cove State Boat Launch observed a Yamaha jet ski being operated by Weverton Dasilva (Age 29 from Danbury). According to CT Boating Regulations it is illegal to operate Jet Ski’s between the hours of sunset to sunrise. Based upon the officers’ initial observations, it was believed Dasilva was operating the jet ski while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Dasilva subsequently failed to perform SFST's. Dasilva was placed under arrest for operating under the influence and transported to Brookfield PD for processing and chemical tests. Dasilva consented to a chemical breath test which he subsequently failed and provided a sample over the legal limit of .08 BAC. Dasilva was charged for the following violations; Operating Vessel Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Operating Jet Ski Between Sunrise and Sunset. Dasilva was released on a 500.00 non-surety bond with a court date set for 7/12/18 at GA 3 Danbury.

PARK AND FOREST ENFORCEMENT:
On 06/13/18 at approximately 0830 hours, Southwest Officers responded to a noise complaint at Kettletown State Park. The accused was found on a site that was not the one he originally registered for. There were many beer and wine bottles scattered around the campsite and within the inside of the vehicle parked on the site. The accused was asleep inside the vehicle with 2 other female parties. The accused was advised that he would be receiving an infraction for the alcohol and would be evicted from the park. The vehicle parked on the site was a misuse and the plate belonged to another vehicle owned by the accused. The accused was informed that he would not be able to drive the vehicle out of the park and requested a tow truck to remove the vehicle from the area. While writing the infraction and awaiting the tow truck the accused and the 2 females got in the van and proceeded to leave the park. The vehicle was pursued using emergency lights and audible siren from Kettletown State Park to Jacksons Cove Town Park in Oxford at 30 m.p.h. The accused was arrested and charged with Operating an unregistered vehicle, improper use of marker plate, failure to maintain minimum insurance, engaging in pursuit, interfering with an officer, illegal possession of alcoholic beverages, trespassing on campsite of another and causing disturbing noise. The accused was arraigned the same day at GA-5 Derby.

SEARCH AND RESCUE:

On June 1, 2018, Troop A requested that officers from the Southwest respond with a vessel to assist in the recovery of a deceased individual located on the cement apron of the Stevenson Dam, Oxford. Prior to this incident, Seymour PD had a missing person’s case and the last ping of the cell phone had located the individual in the area of the Stevenson Dam. Officers along with the Oxford Fire Department were able to navigate through significant river currents, traverse slick and steep terrain, and safely recover the individual. The individual was transported in an EnCon vessel to the Monroe shoreline and transferred to local first responders.

INJURED/NUISANCE WILDLIFE:

On 6/16/18 officers responded to Progressive Animal Wellness Clinic in Avon for the report of an injured Bobcat kit. A citizen had found the cat in the middle of a road not moving and brought it to the clinic where they determined it was a Bobcat. Officers checked the area for the mother, presumed to be struck by a vehicle, with no success. The kit was treated by the Clinic and had an injury to a rear leg. The kit was ultimately taken to Sharon Audubon for rehabilitation.

K-9 CALLS FOR SERVICE:

Officer Flockhart and K-9 Ellie responded to the following SAR incidents:
On 6/2/18 dispatched for a missing autistic 22 year old in the area of Music Mountain Canaan/Cornwall. The subject was located by Officer Flockhart and CSP Sergeant Dickey in the woods.

On 6/3/18 dispatched for runaway juveniles from Sessions Woods. The juveniles were ultimately located in Farmington by local police.

On 6/14/18 dispatched for a missing and suicidal 17 year old in Naugatuck State Forest. The subject was located at a Walmart in Naugatuck by local police.

On 6/20/18 dispatched to assist CSP with a missing 73 year old male with Dementia in New Hartford. The subject was located by the SAR team in a pond deceased.

On 6/25/18 dispatched to assist CSP with a missing suicidal female at Black Pond in Middlefield. The subject was located by the SAR team deceased.

On 6/7/18 they participated in a public outreach event at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village.

Great work as usual.

Thanks for your service. As was said, interesting reading.