CT State EnCon Police
Eastern District Highlights
July 2019


Public Safety
On Sunday July 21, Officer Curran pulled into Gardner Lake State Park / Boat Launch, Salem, and was immediately summoned by park patrons to the beach area, where he found a twelve year old male being pulled from the water unconscious by extended family and friends. Officer Curran grabbed his resuscitation gear, called for EMS, and took over cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a female who had just begun compressions, and continued one-rescuer CPR for several minutes when the victim began coughing and breathing on his own. He assisted the victim until Gardner Lake FD and EMS arrived; the victim was transported to Backus Hospital, Norwich, then transferred to CT Children’s Medical Center, where he was last reported to be making a full recovery.

July 4th Enforcement Activity
Eastern District officers were dispatched very early in the morning of July 4th to Gardner Lake for numerous complaints of personal watercraft (PWC, also known as ‘jet skis’) exceeding the slow speed restrictions on the lake prior to 8:00 AM. Over twenty PWC and many more riders, mostly from Massachusetts, were engaged by land and vessel patrols, ultimately resulting in numerous citations being issued for illegal operation of PWC without certificates and other boating violations. A custodial arrest for breach of peace and interfering with a police officer resulted when one male subject was found operating another PWC after already being cited for illegal operation. He refused to remove himself from the water, and three EnCon Police officers entered the shallow water to escort him while surrounded by an agitated beach crowd, later assisted by State Police. Later parking and public safety issues arose when the park was soon closed due to full parking capacity; over ten vehicles were towed that were blocking emergency access roads in and adjacent to the park.
Eastern District officers, from supervisors to SCOs, were fully engaged the entire Fourth of July holiday managing parks and access areas that were full to capacity by patrons and their vehicles (Pattaconk, Wadsworth Falls, Millers Pond, Gardner Lake and Launch, Quaddick, Bigelow Hollow, Hopeville Pond, Coventry Lake Launch, Green Falls), working with park staff to ensure public safety at state parks and recreation areas and on adjacent town roads / property. Officers Williams and Wojcik responded to Hopeville Pond SP beach, Griswold, for an uncooperative male carrying an unconcealed firearm. The subject’s firearm was checked and returned upon his eviction, along with a citation for carrying a firearm in a state park. Soon after Officers Williams, Wojcik and State Police returned to Hopeville Pond for a 51 year old male apparently intoxicated and approaching juveniles inappropriately, causing public alarm. No violations were substantiated, but the male was taken by EMS for an emergency evaluation after indicating he wished to harm himself.
Later that evening, Officers Heath, SCO Flanagan, Sergeants Dwyer and Stanko and CSP Troop F responded to Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area, Chester, for a reported large fight. Upon arrival the initial disturbance had dissipated, but two younger males were found intoxicated and fighting in a separate incident; both were arrested for breach of peace and taken to Troop F Westbrook for processing. Another young male was arrested for motor vehicle misdemeanors (misuse of registration, suspended license, no insurance) and another male subject was cited for drug/paraphernalia possession.

Boating / BUI Enforcement; Operation Drywater 2019
On July 5th, Officers Curran and Waite responded to Salmon River State Boat Launch, Connecticut River East Haddam, for a complaint from boaters who stated they’d been approached by a single male on a blue personal watercraft (PWC, or ‘jet ski’) who complained the boaters sped through a no wake zone, then stated he wanted to ‘show them something’ and took a handgun out and appeared to load a round. He then disappeared, but not before the complainants got photos with a vessel registration, which did not come back on computer file. After discovering the same boat and suspect had been approached by EnCon Police Marine District officers the next day, the suspect was identified. On July 7th he was located and questioned about the incident. He admitted to interacting with the boaters but stated he had a cell phone in his hand, not a firearm; photos and statements confirmed the item as a Glock-type handgun, and computer files showed he possessed multiple firearms including a similar handgun. The subject was released while officers stood by at his residence until arrest, risk and search warrants were secured early that evening, and executed immediately. The subject was arrested for first degree reckless endangerment and felony first degree threatening, and released on a $5,000 cash bond; nine (9) firearms were seized from his residence, including the apparent handgun and 2019 blue Sea Doo PWC used, and were removed and secured by EnCon Police, Eastern District. His court case continues.
While investigating the above PWC / firearm threatening incident on July 5th, Officers Curran and Waite were called to a reported PWC versus boat incident (‘accident’) after sunset in the Connecticut River in Portland, assisted by Officer Danielson and Sergeant. Ulkus. The 39 year old male PWC operator had run into his friends’ vessel, then became lost in the darkness. He was returned to a Portland marina by local FD vessels, where Officer Curran determined he was operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. He was arrested for Boating Under the Influence (BUI), reckless operation first degree, and operating a PWC after sunset.
On July 6th and 7th, 2019, Eastern District officers participated in the tenth annual nationwide enhanced BUI enforcement and awareness initiative known as Operation DryWater (ODW), along with partner agencies including Essex Marine Police, US Coast Guard Station New London and State Police. On July 6 district officers patrolled the Connecticut River by vessel and on shore in the areas of Salmon River boat launch, East Haddam and Haddam Meadows State Park launch. Officer Danielson and Sergeant Stanko observed a thirty-three foot cabin boat operating well above the posted no wake zone at Salmon River launch, and brought the vessel and its twenty year old operator to the launch docks where he failed field sobriety tests. He was arrested and prosecuted for BUI under the state’s statute of a maximum blood alcohol content of 0.02 for suspects under age 21, as well as possession of alcohol by a minor and the wake violation. He is due in Middletown superior court. Along with a directed vessel patrol on July 7th on Coventry Lake, district officers contacted well over one hundred boaters, made two BUI arrests, and issued twenty citations and warnings over the July 5th-7th ODW enforcement period.

Parks / Recreation Enforcement
On the evening of July 2nd 2019 Sergeant Dwyer responded to Gardner Lake State Park beach, Salem, for a complaint of a 32 year old intoxicated male using racial slurs and causing alarm to beachgoers. He was arrested for breach of peace and an outstanding felony violation of probation warrant with a $60,000 bond which he could not make, and transferred to Corrigan Correctional Center, Montville, to await court arraignment.
Late on July 7th, Officer Wojcik responded to a Portland Police report of a 36 year old male boat operator who got upset with a Personal Watercraft (PWC) operator at Dart Island State Park in the Connecticut River, Middletown, and punched the male operator. Following an investigation and interviews, the boater was arrested and processed for Breach of Peace and Third Degree Assault, with a court appearance in Middletown Superior Court.
On July 30th, Officers Heath and Vroman responded to Hopeville Pond State Park, Griswold, for a report of a suspicious male picking up garbage thrown from a vehicle. Upon arrival, a 35 year old male matching the description was found in a vehicle along with a 34 year old female; it was eventually discovered the female had a protective order against the male (her ex-husband), who provided officers with false identification. He was arrested for violating a protective order and interfering, processed at Montville state police barracks, and later released on a $10,000 bond.

CT State EnCon Police
Marine District Highlights
July 2019

Fishing Enforcement

On 7/5/19 Officer Hey was conducting fishing enforcement on the pier in West Haven on Long Island Sound and observed three fishermen catching fluke. Upon inspection, Officer Hey determined that the fluke were all undersized. The minimum length limit for fluke is 19 inches. Officer Hey also determined that all three individuals did not have the required 2019 CT Salt Water Fishing License. Each were issued an infraction for fishing without a license and warned for possession of short fluke.

Officer Kerr was patrolling Long Island Sound in Groton and observed individuals fishing from a vessel. Officer Kerr boarded the vessel and inspected the catch of what appeared to be only scup and black sea bass in a five-gallon bucket full of ice. Officer Kerr then reached to the bottom of the bucket under the ice and found an undersized fluke. When asked who caught the fluke no one on board seemed to remember. Ultimately the responsible person came forward and stated he had measured the fluke with a handmade ruler made of cut marks by a knife blade on the individual’s cooler. Officer Kerr measured the fluke with an appropriate ruler and clearly showed the individual the fish was well under the required 19 inches. The individual was issued an infraction for illegal possession of an undersized fluke.

Officer Tefft was patrolling Mystic River in Groton and conducted a vessel safety inspection. Upon checking the vessel for all required safety equipment, Officer Tefft observed fishing equipment and asked the operator if he had been fishing. The individual stated that he had been fishing and caught three fluke. Officer Tefft asked to see the fish however the operator stated he had already fillet them and discarded the racks. CT State Regulations state that fluke fillets are allowed to be possessed as long as the fillets meet the minimum length requirements or if the racks are retained and the meet the minimum length requirements. Officer Tefft measured the fluke fillets from two fish that appeared to be of legal size however one of the fillets measured 8 inches. When asked where the fillets for the third fluke were, the individual stated he ate them for lunch while out at sea. The individual was issued an infraction for illegal possession of short fluke.

Officer Erickson was checking fishermen along the CT River in Old Saybrook and observed several individuals fishing. Upon checking several fishermen, one was found to be in possession of an undersized fluke measuring twelve inches. The individual was issued a written warning for the violation.

On 7/8/2019 Officer Bernier was checking fishermen on Long Island Sound at the Jennings Beach Fishing Pier in Fairfield. Officer Bernier observed two fishermen catching and keeping striped bass and fluke. Upon checking their catch, one individual was found to be in possession of an undersized fluke and issued an infraction for the violation.

On 7/10/19 Sergeant Bruno was conducting fishing enforcement at McCook’s Point Park in East Lyme and observed two individuals catch three undersized fluke and several black sea bass. Upon inspection of the catch, the individual was found to be in violation of having three undersized fluke. Each individual was issued an infraction for the violation.


On 7/19/19 Sergeant Bruno was conducting fishing enforcement at Pilots Point in Westbrook and observed several individuals fishing. Upon checking for compliance, it was determined that one of the individuals was in possession of three short fluke. The individual was issued an infraction for illegal possession of undersized fluke.

Commercial Fishing Enforcement

On 7/3/19 Officer Tefft was conducting commercial fishing enforcement at the Stonington Town Docks conducting an offload inspection. At the end of the inspection it was determined that the captain of the vessel had an overage of scup of about 120 pounds and 15 pounds over the limit of fluke. The captain of the vessel was issued a written warning for the violation

Shell Fishing Enforcement

On 7/5/19 Officer Tefft observed three individuals shell fishing in Alewife Cove in Waterford. This area is posted “Closed to Recreational Shell Fishing”. It is open for permitted commercial shell fishermen as a Restricted Relay area due to higher than normal bacteria levels with a contingency that the shellfish will be moved to a deprivation area for a period of time before being harvested for consumption. Two individuals were issued infractions and one was issued a written warning for Illegal harvest of clams. Between the three individuals they collectively had over a half bushel of quahogs all of which were released back into the water.

Boating Enforcement

On 7/3/19 Officer Carlson was conducting boating safety enforcement at Bayberry Lane State Boat Launch in Groton. Upon checking two individuals, who came in aboard an aluminum vessel, it was determined that the operator failed to have a type IV throwable floatation device. The owner/operator of the vessel received a written warning for the violation.

On 7/5/19 Officer Dota was conducting boating safety inspections at the Baldwin State Boat Launch on the CT River and observed two individuals on a small vessel coming into dock. One of the individuals was not wearing a life jacket and looked to be under the age of 13. Officer Dota questioned the father regarding his son’s age who confirmed his son was only 12 years old. Officer Dota explained to both that a life jacket (PFD) is required to be worn by anyone under the age of 13 on a vessel while it is in motion. A written warning was issued to the father/vessel operator for the violation.

Officer Bernier was conducting boating safety inspections at the Cove Island Boat Launch in Stamford and observed three people paddling in a canoe. Officer Bernier determined that there were not enough life jackets on board for two of the individuals. A written warning was issued to the operator/owner and the voyage was terminated. Officer Bernier also issued an infraction to a second vessel operator who had an overloaded vessel who also did not have enough required life jackets onboard for the number of passengers.

Officer Flis was patrolling Long Island Sound as part of Operation Dry Water and conducted a vessel safety inspection of a vessel that did not have on its navigation lights after sunset as required by law. Upon checking for all required safety equipment, the operator stated that he could not get his navigation lights to work. The operator was issued an infraction for the violation.

Captain Williams was conducting boating under the influence inspections at the Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch as part of Operation Dry Water and observed an individual operating a Sea Doo PWC northbound on the CT River heading to the boat launch approximately 45 minutes after sunset. It is against state law for PWC’s to be operating after sunset as they are not equipped with navigation lights. The operator came into the boat launch and hit the dock head on. Captain Williams approached the operator and could detect the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the operator. The operator was asked to perform basic pre-exit tasks of which he failed to perform to standard. Officers Blackwell and Dota arrived on scene and conducted standardized Field Sobriety Tests on the individual of which he failed. The individual was placed under arrest and transported to Troop F for processing. The individual was arrested for boating under the influence having a blood alcohol content of over .19, over twice the legal limit of .08.

On 7/7/19 Officer Blackwell was conducting boating safety inspections on Long Island Sound in Guilford and observed two individuals paddling paddleboards one of which had a 7-year-old female on board. Neither vessel had the required life jackets on board. It is required by state boating regulations that from June 1st annually to September 30th annually anyone operating a paddle craft or vessel shall have the required number of lifejackets on board and that anyone under the age of 13 shall wear said lifejackets. Each operator was issued infractions for failure to have the required life jackets on board as well as educated about juveniles under the age of 13.

On 7/25/19 Officer Blackwell was conducting boating safety inspections at the Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch and observed two vessels being operated coming into the launch area both of which had several juveniles under the age of 13 on board who were not wearing life jackets. Both operators were issued infractions for the violations.


Park & Forest Enforcement

On 7/7/19 Officers Blackwell and Erickson responded to a domestic violence incident at Hammonasset Beach State Park involving a husband and wife and their 4 year old child. The female party was heavily intoxicated and was verbally assaulting her husband on the beach causing alarm for many beachgoers. The female then grabbed a shovel and began hitting her husband repeatedly as he was trying to get to their car with the four year old child by his side. The female then hit the car breaking the mirror on the door. The female was arrested for Breach of Peace, Criminal Mischief and Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia possession. The Department of Children and Families was notified of the incident.
On 7/11/19 Officers Blackwell and Dota responded to Rocky Neck State Park for a domestic violence incident that occurred on the beach between male and female in a dating relationship. Both individuals were intoxicated and had just come out of the water. The male party wanted to go back into the water and continue to swim. The female party advised the lifeguards that the male was not a good swimmer and asked to have him removed from the water. The lifeguards were able to get the male party out of the water but In doing so, the male party became agitated and started to choke the female party. The male was arrested for Beach of Peace and Threatening.

CT State EnCon Police
Western District Highlights
July 2019

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS:
On 7/29/19 at approximately 1000 hours EnCon Police took two Brookfield town residents into custody at Troop A in Southbury. Arrest warrants had been issued for both parties following a criminal investigation of an incident that occurred on 7/14/19. In the early morning hours of 7/14/19 both males allegedly assaulted a victim on Candlewood Lake in the Town of New Fairfield. The victim was admitted to New Milford Hospital following the incident and law enforcement was contacted. The victim suffered serious physical injury and permanent disfigurement. During the course of the investigation both accused males misled officers in statements they made regarding the incident and crimes committed. They were each charged with violating Assault, 1st degree, Strangulation or Suffocation, 1st degree, and Interfering with an Officer. Each were held on a $250,000 bond with an arraignment scheduled for 7/30/19 at Danbury Superior Court (GA3). The Danbury Office of Adult Probation, Brookfield Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Danbury Police Department provided assistance in the investigation.
NUISANCE BEAR:
During the month of July Western District officers were dispatched and responded to 18 Nuisance Bear complaints.
PARK & FOREST ENFORCEMENT:
During a very busy month for the Western District parks, the majority of Western District officers’ enforcement action consisted of violations falling under disorderly conduct and alcoholic beverage possession. Enforcement action resulted in 43 infractions/written warnings.

PUBLIC SAFETY:
On 7/13/19 at 2015 hours EnCon police responded to Wharton Brook for a complaint of abandoned property. During the course of the investigation it was determined that the owner of the property was a missing person from North Haven. A K9 track was attempted and ended at the edge of Wharton Pond. The male’s body was located and recovered from the water by the CT State Police Dive Team.

SICK, INJURED AND NUISANCE WILDLIFE:
During the month of July Western District officers were dispatched and responded to 19 calls for sick, nuisance or injured wildlife. Some incidents involved deer, fox, hawks, copperhead, bobcat and turkey.