East District

Commercial Fishing arrest

On January 14, 2014 Marine district officers conducted an inspection of a fishing vessel off loading fish in the Port of New London. The fishing vessel, Mystic Way, was offloading fish at a New London Seafood distributor, which included the regulated species of Summer Flounder (Fluke). The commercial quota for that species was currently at 200 pounds. The vessel captain initially stated he had only a few boxes estimated to be about 150 pounds of fluke. After weighing the summer flounder in the presence of an officer, it was determined that the captain was 54 pounds over the legal commercial quota limit. The vessel’s captain was charged with violation of the commercial fluke landing limit and given a court date in New London Superior court. The excess fish were seized and sold to a local seafood dealer with the proceeds to be held in escrow. Officers have inspected this vessel frequently over the past several months noting several minor violations which resulted in written warnings being issued and incidents referred to NOAA office of law enforcement.

Commercial Lobster arrest

During the months of January and February officers in the marine district conduct seafood dealer inspections as part of an enforcement initiative. During these inspections officers check seafood dealers and commercial fisherman for compliance with state and federal commercial fishing regulations. On January 27, 2014 officer Ulkus observed a local lobsterman selling lobsters to an unlicensed seafood retail establishment in Stonington. The retail seafood store was purchasing lobsters from a local fisherman and did not have a license. During the inspection of the lobsters, officers found twelve (13 pounds) that were less than the legal size limit. The retail store owner was warned for not having a seafood dealer license and the lobsterman was charged with possession of short lobsters and given a court date in New London Superior court. The twelve sub-legal lobsters were seized and released back into the water for conservation purposes.

Recreational Vehicle enforcement

During the month of January officers from the Northeast sector were busy enforcing snowmobile and ATV regulations. On January 4th, Officer Pettus issue two warnings and three infractions to individuals illegally operating snowmobiles in or around Shenipsit State Forest. None of the machines were properly registered. On January 17th, Officer Scatena apprehended two dirt bike riders that attempted to flee from her in the Mansfield area. The operators were seen driving into the boat launch and then fleeing after noticing her. Officer Scatena eventually found both riders and issued infractions for; operating an unregistered ATV, operating on a public highway and failure to stop for an officer. One of the ATV’s was also towed at the owner’s expense.

During the month of January officers from the Northeast sector concluded an intensive snowmobile accident investigation that occurred in Shenipsit State Forest on December 18, 2013. During the course of the investigation officers were able to determine the cause and factors contributing to the crash at night which resulted in one snowmobile rider suffering serious injuries and extensive damage to the machine. The operator was charged with negligent operation of a snowmobile, hours of operation and trespassing. The other three riders were also cited for riding in the forest after legal hours. None of the snowmobiles were properly registered.


West District

Dog Bite

On January 10th, EnCon Police Officer Chickos responded to a report of a possible coyote attack in Monroe.  After investigating, Officer Chickos noted that the attacking animal was a domestic dog, not a coyote.  Monroe Police became involved at that point as it was determined that the complainant was bitten by the dog while allegedly attempting to burglarize the property that the dog was protecting.  Monroe Police ultimately obtained an arrest warrant for the “victim” of the dog bite.

Search and Rescue

On January 31st, EnCon Police Sergeant Buckley, Officer Williams, Officer Bernier and EnCon Police K9 Saydee responded to a Search and Rescue call from the State Police in New Fairfield for a missing elderly female whose vehicle was located adjacent to a section of Pootatuck State Forest.  EnCon Police responded with K9 and ATV assets and along with State Police units eventually located the female who was deceased.  The untimely death of the female is currently under investigation.

Snowmobile Accident

On January 31st EnCon Police Sergeant Schneider, Officer Crossman, Officer Hilli and Officer Yescott responded to a report of a snowmobile accident on Candlewood Lake in the vicinity of Vaughn’s Neck.  The Reconstruction Unit’s initial investigation determined that the snowmobile appeared to have struck a pressure ridge in the ice while it was being operated at a high rate of speed.  The investigation is ongoing to determine if any other factors contributed to the accident.

I am continually amazed at the stupidy of some of the human race. Again thank you for your time and service.