State EnCon Police
Marine District
October 2019 Highlights

Fishing Enforcement

On October 1st, 2019 Officer Blackwell was dispatched to Saint Mary’s by the Sea in Bridgeport for a report of an individual fishing in the Rooster River/Long Island Sound and in possession of a summer flounder (fluke). Fluke must be at least 19 inches and the season for fluke closed on September 30th. This is also an enhanced opportunity fishing area for which fluke can be 17 inches. Officer Blackwell observed the individual fishing and made contact with him to inspect his catch. The individual was in possession of a short fluke measuring 13 inches, well below both length limits. The individual was issued an infraction for possession of a fluke below the minimum length limit and possession of a fluke during the closed season.

On October 4th, 2019 Officer Hey was patrolling Long Island Sound in Bridgeport and observed an individual fishing for and keeping snapper bluefish and scup. The individual put all of the fish in a five gallon bucket. Officer Hey made contact with the individual and inspected his catch. It was determined that the individual possessed 238 snapper bluefish and 81 short scup. The individual also did not possess a fishing license. The daily limit of snapper bluefish is 10. The daily limit of scup is 30. The individual was issued an infraction for possession of over the daily limit creel limit of bluefish, possession of over the daily limit of scup, and fishing without a license.

On October 12th, 2019 Officer Tefft was patrolling the Bayberry State Boat Launch in Groton and observed a fisherman on a vessel coming into the dock. Officer Tefft observed several tautog (blackfish) and cup onboard the vessel. Further inspection revealed that the individual was in possession of four tautog that were below the minimum size length of 16 inches as well as being over the daily creel limit of three. The individual stated he was unaware of the regulations pertaining to tautog. The individual was charged with possession of tautog less than the legal length and possession over the daily limit of tautog.

Also on October 12th, 2019 Officer Reilly and her K-9 partner Hunter were patrolling the shoreline of Long Island Sound in the town of Waterford and observed two individuals for over an hour fishing at the end of a rock jetty. The individuals had several fish in a five gallon bucket next to them and stated that was all the fish they had caught that day. Officer Reilly’s K-9 partner Hunter alerted to a white plastic Price Rite shopping bag that was placed on the opposite side of the jetty amongst several large rocks and tall grass. K-9 Hunter is trained in the detection of fish & game. Inside the bag were two undersized tautog. One of the individuals admitted the bag belonged to him. He was issued an infraction for possession of tautog under the minimum length limit and possession of tautog over the daily creel limit.

On October 12, 2019, Sergeant Bruno was patrolling the area of Pilots Point Marina and observed two individuals filleting tautog. Based on Sergeant Bruno’s training and experience the carcasses appeared to be very less than the minimum length of 16 inches. A total of 9 tautog carcasses were located all of which were short, measuring between 12 and 15 inches. The individual was issued an infraction for possession of tautog less than the minimum length limit, possession of tautog over the daily creel limit, and fishing without a license.

On October 13th, 2019 Sergeant Bruno was patrolling the Black Hall River in Old Lyme, and observed an individual fishing and keep five hickory shad and put them into a soft cooler. Sergeant Bruno then observed the individual bring the cooler up to a vehicle on the side of RT. 156 and offload the fish into the rear passenger side. The individual then went back down to the river and continued fishing where he was observed him catch five more hickory shad. Sergeant Bruno made contact with the individual as he went up to the vehicle again and determined he had 19 hickory shad inside the vehicle. The daily creel limit on hickory shad is 6. The individual also did not possess a current fishing license. The individual was issued an infraction for exceeding the daily limit of hickory shad as well as fishing without a license.

On October 14th, 2019 Officer Bernier was patrolling the Long Island Sound in New Haven and observed two individuals keeping short tautog. Upon contact with the individuals, it was determined both had in their possession two undersized fish of which they stated to the officer they were aware of the legal length limit of 16 inches. Both individuals were issued infractions for possession of undersized tautog and the fish were seized.

Also on October 14th, 2019 Officer Flis was patrolling the CT River in Old Saybrook and observed two individuals fishing from a vessel. A check of their catch was conducted and it was determined that there were 5 tautog on board- one of which measured less than the required minimum length of 16 inches. The individual that caught the fish argued with Officer Flis and demanded the Officer to measure the fish with his measuring tape. Officer Flis measured the fish with the individuals measuring tape which still indicated the fish was undersized. The individual then stated that due to the boat rocking around out on the ocean it was hard to measure accurately. The fish in possession measured 15 inches. The individual was issued and infraction for the violation.

On October 19th, 2019 Officer Hey was patrolling the Mianus River Trout Management Area and observed two individuals catching and keeping trout. This area closed for keeping trout on September 30th, 2019. The area of which the individuals were fishing is clearly posted. In total the individuals had 15 trout in their possession. The daily creel limit when the season is open for harvest is two trout per day. Both individuals were issued infractions for the violations.

On October 22nd, 2019 Officers Dota and Nivolo were patrolling the fishing pier at the Tomlinson Lift Bridge in New Haven on Long Island Sound. The officers had been observing a male fishing from the pier catch and keep several tautog and put them into a white plastic bag on the pier. Upon inspection, the individual was in possession of four tautog of which three were undersized. He was issued an infraction for possession of short tautog, and given a verbal warning for over the daily creel limit.

On October 25th, 2019 Officers Erickson and Mazzotta along with Sergeant Bruno were patrolling by vessel on Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook and approached a vessel for hire that had several fishermen on board. An inspection of their catch was conducted by Officer Erickson that revealed a total of 13 tautog, 6 of which were undersized. The captain of the vessel took responsibility for the short fish and was issued an infraction for possession of tautog less than minimum length, and a warning for exceeding the daily creel limit.

On October 30th, 2019 two EnCon Officers were patrolling Long Island Sound in an undercover vessel in the vicinity of Westbrook and observed two individuals fishing from a vessel catch and land what was clearly a tautog less than the legal size limit based on training and experience. The officers observed the fishermen put the short fish into a cooler on the rear deck of the vessel. For the next hour or so, the accused conducted counter surveillance from time to time with binoculars. Any fish caught during this time were very small and immediately released. Finally the undercover officers alerted Officers Blackwell and Dota who were nearby but out of eyesight in a marked patrol vessel to conduct an inspection of the vessel. When the accused realized the EnCon vessel was approaching for boarding, officers observed the accused reach to where the creel was being kept and throw 2 tautog less than legal length off the stern and into the water in attempt to elude police detection and dispose of the evidence. Officer Blackwell utilized the PA system on the patrol vessel, announced her presence and demanded the individual to stop and stand by. Officer Dota boarded the vessel and began questioning the fishermen. It was determined that the fish thrown overboard were undersized. The individual who caught the fish was issued an infraction for possession of an undersized tautog. Later that afternoon said fisherman called EnCon Police to file a complaint against the Officers as he felt he did not deserve the ticket. The fisherman related that he did catch several undersized tautog that day and released all of them. The fisherman was asked what he would say if he knew there was an undercover boat watching him the whole time and observed him looking for other vessels with binoculars and described in detail his fishing activity in the course of one hour. The individual started stuttering and fumbling his words and ultimately admitted to keeping the short fish.

Shellfishing Enforcement

On October 18th, 2019, Officer Hey received a complaint that an Asian male was taking a large quantity of oysters along the shoreline in West Haven just north of the town boat launch located in New Haven Harbor. Officer Hey responded and observed an Asian male transporting a full five gallon bucket of oysters back to his 2017 Toyota Highlander. Officer Hey stopped the individual and asked for his driver’s license which he produced. This officer was informed by DEEP Emergency Dispatch that on November 4, 2018 the accused was issued a summons by EnCon Police Officer Bernier for taking shellfish from the same Prohibited Area. This area is permanently closed to all recreational shellfishing by the State of Connecticut Department of Aquaculture for numerous health reasons. There are high levels of toxins in the substrate of New Haven Harbor and most importantly he was shellfishing in close proximity of the West Haven sewer treatment plant. The shellfish taken could also contain high levels of bacteria that could cause hepatitis or worse even death. The accused’s vehicle contained a large recycling bin full of oysters and the full five gallon bucket he was bringing to his vehicle when he was originally stopped. There was also a large quantity of oysters piled up on the shoreline that were presumably going to be retrieved by the accused. Officer Hey realized from his training and experience that this large quantity of shell fish were most likely not for personal consumption. All of the oysters were returned to New Haven Harbor. The accused was issued a misdemeanor summons for illegal shellfishing and given a court date of 11/5/19 at GA-22 Milford.

Public Safety

On October 28th, 2019 Officer Dota was checking fishermen at the Branford River Boat Launch and was met by Branford Police who received a call regarding a vehicle that had been in the back of the parking lot with its lights on and running for several hours. Officer Blackwell responded as well. The vehicle was approached by the officers and determined to be unoccupied. At the time the status of the vehicle operator was unknown and responders were unsure if the operator was in danger or if a search & rescue response was needed. The driver’s door was unlocked. The officers opened the driver’s door to shut the vehicle off and observed in plain view a loaded Ruger LCP .380 pistol. Approximately ten minutes later a vessel arrived at the boat launch from the Branford River of which the owner/operator of the vehicle was in. The owner/operator was identified and stated he had forgotten he had left his pistol in his vehicle and was tired when he arrived at the boat launch and forgot to turn off and lock his vehicle. The individual was ultimately arrested for improper storage of a firearm (Ethan’s Law) and reckless endangerment.











State EnCon Police
Eastern District
October 2019 Highlights

Boating Incident Response
On the afternoon of October 19, 2019, DEEP Emergency Dispatch was notified of a boating incident with an unknown number of people in the water in Amston Lake, Hebron. Officers Landry, Bouthillier, Danielson, Sergeant Johnston and Captain Lundin responded to the scene and to Middlesex Clinic in Marlborough, where it was determined four 19 year old Wesleyan University students were in two canoes; a male and female had been underwater for an undetermined amount of time. The unconscious female was taken by Lifestar to Hartford Hospital and the male was hospitalized for pneumonia. All had reportedly been wearing lifejackets, and alcohol was involved. One female fell out of a canoe when the male attempted to help her out; both were assisted by local kayakers. The female regained consciousness and remains hospitalized in early November. EnCon Police continue to investigate.

Search and Rescue Incident
On 10/8/19, EnCon Police were notified that Middletown Police were searching the area of Millers Pond State Park, Haddam / Durham, for a 59 year old male from their town, subject of a Silver Alert, missing since 10/5/19 and possibly last seen in the park area. Officers Curran, Williams, Waite and Sergeant Ulkus responded while K9 Officer Bernier and Sergeant Logiodice conducted a canine search along with a bloodhound; officers later completed a sweep of the park by foot and ATVs with negative results. Middletown briefly continued the search with EnCon Police assistance on 10/9/19, but later determined the subject was last seen in greater New Haven.

Hunting Enforcement
On the afternoon of 10/18/19, EnCon Police were notified that State Police were responding to a possible deer poaching incident along Haddam Quarter Road, Durham. State Police soon stated they found the individual and were about to clear the incident when Officers Wojcik, Reilly, Kerr and Sergeant Johnston arrived and determined a 29 year old male had seen a deer along the road while driving, got out with his archery equipment and attempted several times to shoot the animal as it crossed the road from one property to another. The newly certified bow hunter stated he thought roadside property belonged to the state; he was arrested for hunting without written consent and is scheduled to appear in Middletown court.
On 10/19/19, Officer Danielson returned to private property in Willington where he had previously noted an illegal deer tree stand. He found a 19 year old male actively hunting in the tree stand who thought he was on Eversource property, and had no permission for the private property. The subject was cited for archery deer hunting without written consent and released pending a court appearance.
Also on 10/19/2019, Officer Vroman was re-checking private land in Pomfret where he had received an anonymous tip of several tree stands baited with corn feeders. On this date he encountered a 55 year old male hunting from a tree stand very close to a corn feeder and a pile of pumpkins. The subject indicated he was a landowner, was new to the area, and indicated he thought he could archery hunt deer anywhere in Connecticut over bait. He was advised of the proper hunting laws and issued a summons for hunting over bait.
Late on the afternoon of Sunday 10/20/19, Officers Carlson and Danielson received a complaint of possible active illegal hunting on a large property in Stafford. From prior complaints, the officers knew there were two tree stands set above two sites with salt blocks with game cameras. The officers located a 53 year old male from Massachusetts actively hunting with bow and arrows in one of the tree stands, with the bait still on site. The subject presented proper licenses and permission to hunt the property and advised he had set up the salt block some time earlier. He was arrested for illegal deer hunting and is scheduled to appear in Rockville court.
















State EnCon Police
Western District
October 2019 Highlights
Hunting Enforcement
On 10/05/19 Officer Kiely received a complaint of a person illegally archery deer hunting on private property. Upon arrival, the accused was observed sitting in a tree stand with a loaded crossbow. The accused stated he lived on the adjacent property and did not know the land owner of the property where he was hunting. The accused was charged with archery deer hunting without written consent. The accused was released on a PTA with a court date on 10/18/19 at GA4 Waterbury.

On 10/12/19 Officer Torres was dispatched to a possible hunting without permission complaint in Wallingford. Upon his arrival, Officer Torres was able to locate the two hunters in question. During the investigation it was determined that neither hunter had written permission to hunt the property. Misdemeanor summonses were issued to both hunters for failure to have written consent when deer hunting private land. The hunters and treestand were removed from the property without further incident.
On 10/26/19, while conducting small game enforcement of Suffield WMA, Officer Kiely found a hunter to be in possession of a loaded hunting implement within 500 feet of a building occupied by people/containing combustible materials. The accused stated he forgot to unload his firearm prior to returning to the parking area. The accused was charged with Carrying a Loaded Firearm within 500 feet of a building. The accused was released on a PTA with a court date on 11/7/19 at GA13 Enfield.

On 10/26/19, while conducting small game enforcement of Suffield WMA, Officer Kiely found the accused walking along the service road within the WMA with a shotgun wearing tan clothing and blaze orange hunting hat. The accused was found to be in possession of a loaded hunting implement wearing less than the required 400 square inches of fluorescent orange. The accused stated they were hunting the Southwick WMA (Massachusetts) and forgot to unload their shotgun upon entering Connecticut and walking through the Suffield WMA. The accused did not have a 2019 CT Firearms hunting license nor resident gamebird stamp. The accused was charged with failure to wear 400 sq. inches of orange while hunting, hunting without a license, and violation of pheasant regulations/ hunting without a resident gamebird stamp. The accused was released on a PTA with a court date of 11/4/19 at GA13 Enfield.

Nuisance Bear
During the month of October Western District officers were dispatched and responded to 18 Nuisance Bear complaints.
Sick, Injured, and Nuisance Wildlife
During the month of October, Western District officers were dispatched and responded to 21 calls for sick, nuisance or injured wildlife. Some incidents involved deer, bobcat, Bald Eagle, raccoon, woodchuck, fox and opossum.
K-9 Calls for Service
Officer Flockhart and K-9 Ellie were dispatched to four calls for service for missing/lost persons and three were located prior to their arrival and the fourth at Enders was located by the fire department. Sergeant Logiodice and K-9 Ruger were dispatched to two calls for service for missing/lost persons. One was located prior to their arrival and the second a search was conducted at Millers Pond State Park and yielded negative results.