Hawleyville Crash

On August 28 at about 5:22 pm, Newtown Police responded to a reported two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Sawmill and Mt Pleasant Roads. Upon arrival, officers reported Eric J. Hudson, 19, of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., was operating a 2017 Toyota RAV4 SUV northbound on Sawmill Road and came to a stop at the stop sign at Mt Pleasant Road. At that time, Amit Patel, 39, of Southbury was traveling eastbound on Mt Pleasant Road in a 2012 Subaru Outback. Police say the RAV4 turned left and made contact with the left side of the Subaru, causing minor damage to both vehicles. Hudson was issued a written warning for failing to grant the right of way at a stop.

Propane Tank Propelled

Newtown Police and EMS were called to a reported single vehicle crash on August 30 around 9:19 pm on Huntingtown Road, near the intersection of Brushy Hill Road. According to the report, William Schubert, 25, of Newtown was operating a 2009 BMW 335xi southbound when the vehicle traveled off the shoulder, struck two metal posts and a large propane tank so hard, police said the tank was propelled through the side of an adjacent barn at 155 Huntingtown Road, coming to rest about 20 feet from the initial impact. The vehicle then overturned and rolled across a driveway, struck a fence, and came to rest landing upright. The operator was evaluated and transported by local volunteer ambulance members, and the BMW was towed from the scene. Schubert was issued an infraction for making a restricted turn and traveling too fast for conditions.

Deer vs Motorcycle

Just after midnight on August 31, James Triacca, 56, of Newtown was operating his 2003 Suzuki motorcycle eastbound on Taunton Hill Road when he struck a deer entering the roadway. The impact caused the motorcycle to fall to the ground and also caused a minor laceration and bruises to the operator. Triacca was evaluated and refused medical attention at the scene, and after a brief investigation, went to his adjacent home to retrieve a trailer and towed the bike home. There was no enforcement action.

Ecosport On Wall

Newtown Police were called to a reported one-vehicle crash about 5:49 am on August 31 on West Street, near Castle Hill Road. Upon arrival, they found a 2018 Ford Ecosport stuck on top of a stone wall. According to the report, Katelyn Czyr, 23, of Danbury, was traveling eastbound on West Street and ran off the road, drove over a grassy area at 14 West Street, the Newtown Congregational Church, struck a stone wall, and became stuck on top. Police initially found the vehicle unoccupied and stated Czyr evaded responsibility in the incident. Police say the case is currently open pending charges against the operator. The vehicle was towed from the scene. No injuries were reported.

Minor Injuries

On September 2 at about 5:17 am, police responded to the area of Toddy Hill and Marlin Roads after a reported single-vehicle collision with injuries. Upon arrival, officers reported that Luis Alberto Galarza-Cordova, 25, of Danbury, was operating a 2003 Honda Accord southbound when he stated he swerved to avoid an oncoming non-contact vehicle, left the roadway, struck a large rock. The operator reportedly had lacerations to his left knee and elbow. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

SeaDoo Thefts

Newtown Police are seeking assistance in the investigation of the theft of two black and yellow SeaDoo RXP260 personal watercraft from a dock at 26 Bridge End Farm Lane. The value of the two watercraft is estimated at $30,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer William Hull at 203-426-5841 and reference case number 19-22370.

Seeking A Silverado

Newtown Officer Felicia Figol is seeking the public’s help locating a Chevrolet Silverado pickup with a missing right side passenger mirror that is suspected of causing property damage at 22 Walnut Tree Hill Road. It is reported that between 6 and 9 am on September 4, such a vehicle was involved in an evading incident after striking and damaging several spans of white vinyl fencing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Figol at 203-452-5841.

Four Vehicles Involved

On September 4 at about 7:31 am, Newtown Police responded to South Main Street in the area of Mile Hill Road after a reported four-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, police found that Cristina Marie Monsalve, 16, of Newtown, was operating a 2002 Toyota Camry northbound, approaching traffic stopped for the red light at Mile Hill Road, and failed to stop, connecting with the rear of a 2013 Subaru Legacy being operated by Michelle Lynn Cerviera, 35, of Newtown, which was pushed by the impact into the rear of a 2016 Toyota Camry being operated by Charles David Bryan, 43, of Trumbull. That collision then pushed the 2016 Camry into the rear of a 2016 Audi A3 being operated by James P. Colford, 59, of Trumbull. Police said all vehicles were drivable from the scene and no injuries were initially reported. Monsalve was issued an infraction for following too close.

Animals Crossing

Newtown Police responded to a reported minor collision September 6 at about 9:04 pm on Church Hill Road near the Walnut Tree Hill Road intersection. Upon investigation, officers report that Adam P. Waller, 57, of Fairfield, was operating a 2017 Mercedes SI 450 eastbound when he slowed because of animals crossing the roadway. At that time, police say Nicholas James Tarantino, 17, of Newtown, approached from the rear operating a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and failed to realize the Mercedes had slowed and swerved. The Jeep struck the rear of the Mercedes, causing damage to the extent that the Jeep had to be towed from the scene. No injuries were reported, and Tarantino was issued a verbal warning for following too close.

DUI Arrest

Local police report that on September 7 at about 8:02 pm, officers arrested John Aurelia, 58, of Newtown, after a traffic stop on South Main Street near Sugar Street. Aurelia was processed and issued a misdemeanor summons for failure to drive in an established lane and DUI. He was released on a $100 cash bail pending a September 25 court date.

Sideswipe Collision

Connecticut State Police were called to the area of Exit 1 on eastbound Interstate 84 on the evening of September 10 following a reported minor collision. Upon arrival, troopers determined that a 2019 Nissan Sentra (a rental vehicle) being operated by Thomas Michael Cavanaugh, 73, of Dunnellon, Fla., attempted to make a lane change and sideswiped a 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV being operated by Thein Pe, 55, of Southington, causing minor damage. There were no injuries, and no enforcement was indicated on the accident report.

Chain Reaction

On September 9 at about 6:40 am, State Police and Newtown responders were called to the area of Exit 11 on westbound I-84 for a three-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, local ambulance volunteers treated one injured operator, who was transported to an area hospital. According to the report, Robert Michael Brandariz, 16, of Southbury was operating a 2019 Subaru Outback westbound followed by Julia Marie Cullers, 23, of Stonington operating a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan, when both slowed for traffic. At that time, troopers state that William C. Godair, 33, of Mendon, Vermont failed to slow the 2011 GMC Sierra he was operating and struck the Dodge from behind, pushing it into the Subaru. The GMC and Dodge were towed from the scene, and Godair was issued an infraction for traveling too fast for conditions.

Following Too Close

Around 2:30 pm on September 9, State Troopers received a report of a minor rear-end collision near Exit 1 westbound on Interstate 84. Upon investigation, it was reported that Isabel Ambrose, 57, of Danbury was operating her 2016 Honda CR-V and slowed for traffic when her vehicle was hit from behind by a 1999 Subaru Forester operated by Hector Galarza, 53, of Winsted, who was issued a warning for following too close. There were no injuries, and both vehicles were drivable from the scene.

Highway Rollover

Despite rolling over a 2013 Nissan Rogue, State Police reported that Tina Kewalis, 41, of Oxford was uninjured following a reported crash on I-84 eastbound at about 6:02 am on September 7. The report states the operator apparently lost control of the vehicle, struck a guardrail in the median, and rolled over. Kewalis was issued a verbal warning for failure to maintain a proper lane.

Traffic Stop DUI

At about 9:17 pm on September 9, Newtown Officer Leonard Penna noticed a 2015 Subaru Impreza was driving north on South Main Street past the police headquarters with no headlights on, so he stopped the vehicle to investigate. During the traffic stop, it was determined that the operator, Mitchell T. Lobuglio, 26, of Newtown was reportedly operating under the influence of alcohol. He was transported into police headquarters and held on a $500 bond for arraignment at Danbury Superior Court on the DUI charge, as well as receiving a summons for failure to display lights.

Possible Thefts Avoided

At approximately 1:37 am on September 11, Newtown Sergeant Liam Seabrook was on routine patrol in the area of Mt Pleasant Road near Mt Pleasant Terrace when he noticed an open garage door at a residence. Stopping to investigate, Sgt Seabrook noticed several unlocked vehicles in the driveway with their keys in view inside. The property owner was notified and came out to secure the vehicles and remove the keys. The owner was reminded that keys being left inside vehicles has been the cause of most, if not all, recent motor vehicle thefts in town and many others across the state. The Newtown Police also remind all residents to remove any valuables from sight inside parked vehicles, to always lock their vehicles, and to never leave keys inside.