East District Monthly Highlight- JULY 2015

Burglary Suspect Arrests

On July 3, 2015 Officer Scatena was on patrol in the area of Natchaug State forest in Eastford When she was advised by DEEP dispatch of a BOLO identifying a possible suspect and vehicle description used in recent burglaries around the state. Shortly thereafter Officer Scatena noticed a vehicle matching the description of the BOLO. Officer Scatena followed the vehicle and upon checking the license plate (displayed on the vehicle) she was advised that the plate was a positive match to the suspect vehicle. At this time Officer Scatena also noticed that the suspect car was travelling with a U-Haul truck . Through the rear view mirror on the truck she identified the driver as the suspect in connection with numerous burglaries around the state. Officer Scatena relayed this information to DEEP dispatch. Sergeants Dwyer and Wolfe along with the State Police responded to the area to provide back up. The two vehicles pulled into a U-Haul dealership on Rt. 66 in Willimantic. Officer Scatena followed the vehicles into the parking lot and continued to observe the vehicles from a distance until back up arrived at which time the suspects were detained, taken into custody and processed accordingly.

The suspect vehicle was seized and a search warrant was obtained for the suspect's vehicle and his residence. The search resulted in thousands of dollars in stolen property.

The actions of the Officers involved led to the end of a state wide crime spree. The hours of teamwork that made this incident a success were commendable. It took nine DEEP Officers several shifts to investigate, inventory, report and submit warrants to bring this case to closure.


West District Monthly Highlight - July 2015

Disorderly Conduct/ Public Indecency

On July 20, 2015 at approximately 19:00 hours, Southwest EnCon Officers arrested a 62 year old male from Shelton on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Public Indecency at Osbornedale State Park in Derby.

Officers followed up on a complaint made to a State Park Maintenainer of a white male who had exposed himself and engaged in lewd acts near the upper pavilion area of the park earlier in the day. The complainant left the area without providing any contact information but identified the suspect's motor vehicle by his license plate. After tracking down the complainant, Officers positively identified the accused using field identification by the witness confirming the male as the perpetrator. The accused was taken into custody and transported to Shelton Police Department for processing. He was released on a $1000.00 Non-surety bond with a court date of August 8, 2015 at G.A. 5, Derby Superior Court. At this time it is uncertain if the accused is associated with the recent acts of public indecency at surrounding state parks. Officers are hoping the public may be able to help identify any connection.


Marine District Monthly Highlights - July 2015


Boat Rescue

On July 9, 2015, Officer Chemacki was dispatched to a boating accident involving an overturned vessel off of Old Lyme. Two male occupants were found clinging to the swamped twelve foot vessel. A passenger was holding a personal floatation device in one hand and holding onto the boat with the other. Both were then safely brought aboard the patrol vessel. A commercial tow company towed the swamped boat back to the launch site. Both occupants were not injured and declined medical treatment on shore. The contents of the vessel were lost.

Turtle Arrest

On July 12, 2015, Officer Reilly was working at Hammonasset Beach State Park when she was notified by park staff of an individual taking turtles from a pond within the park. Officer Reilly encountered an individual actively crabbing in the described pond and taking a scoop net back to his truck. When she made contact with the suspect, he admitted to catching two crabs.
Further investigation revealed twelve Diamondback Terrapin Turtles in the bed of the suspect's truck . This turtle is protected in Connecticut and cannot be taken or possessed. Diamondback Terrapin Turtles have a market selling price from $199 to $300 per turtle. The accused was charged with twelve counts of illegal possession of Diamondback Terrapin Turtles and given a court date in New Haven Superior Court at the end of the month.

Hybrid Wolf

At the beginning of July 2015, Sergeant Schneider was contacted by a resident of Westport and advised her that they found two very young puppies on their estate property. The resident believed they were dogs, but after a short time, believed that they may be part wild animal because of their behavior. The home owner hired a dog trainer to evaluate them. The owner was advised that the dogs were un-trainable and possibly coy dogs or wild Dingos. They paid to have them DNA tested. The results showed the pups were 50% Coyote, 25% Wolf, and 25% Domestic Dog. Sergeant Schneider took possession of the animals and placed them at
Beardsley Zoo where they were transported to a sanctuary in New Hampshire.

Thanks for all.

kg