Asleep At The Wheel

State Police report that at about 8:39 am on October 6, James Damico, 31, of West Haven was operation a 2014 Nissan Altima on the Exit 11 on ramp to westbound Interstate 84 in Newtown, when he reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle then left the roadway and struck a rock wall, sustaining damage that made the vehicle inoperable. The operator was subsequently issued a citation for failure to stay in an established lane.

Sideswipe On 84

On October 6 at about 4:35 pm, State Police say Marlon Locklear, 44, of Spring Hill, Tenn., was operating a 2012 International tractor-trailer eastbound on Interstate 84 in the area of Currituck Road overpass in Newtown, when the operator made a lane change, striking the side of a 2006 Hyundai being operated by Michael Shanahan, 66, of Woodbury. No injuries were reported and both vehicles sustained minor damage. The truck operator received a citation for failure to drive in the proper lane.

 

VW Rear Ended

State Police responded to a report of a minor rear-end collision on eastbound Interstate 84 in Newtown just east of the Bethel town line on October 7 at about 5:18 pm. Upon arrival and investigation, troopers report that a 2000 Ford Explorer being operated by David Armentano, 39, of Naugatuck, when he changed lanes and struck the rear of a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta being operated by Steven Berthel, 53, of Mendham, N.J., causing damage to the extent the car had to be towed from the scene. Armentano was issued an infraction for failure to maintain an established distance.

Registration Expired

On October 10 at about 9:30 pm, State Police responded to the area of Exit 10 eastbound in Newtown after a report of a sideswipe collision. Upon arrival, troopers determined that an unregistered 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser being operated by Virginia Tobias, 41, of San Marcos, Texas, had made a sudden lane change, striking a 2006 Cadillac C/T being operated by Maryann Hassinger, 70, of Wolcott. The Chrysler was towed from the scene because of the lack of registration and the driver was cited for failure to maintain a proper lane and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Garage Burglary

Newtown Police are seeking the public’s help in investigating a reported burglary that occurred October 10 between noon and 6:45 pm at 164 South Main Street. During that time some person or persons forcefully entered the garage at that address and stole numerous items. The suspect vehicle is likely a truck or van. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Officer Monckton at 203-426-5841.

Guard Rail Damaged

On October 10 at about 1:07 am, State Police responded to the area east of the Interstate 84 Exit 11 on ramp for a report of a single vehicle crash. Upon arrival, troopers report that they found Khristopher Santos Pereira, 21, of Bridgeport had lost control of the 2009 Subaru Impreza he was operating, striking and damaging about 50 feet of guardrail. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the operator was cited for failure to maintain a lane.

Highway DUI

On the morning of October 11 at about 2:41 am, a trooper on routine patrol along Interstate 84 westbound in Newtown observed an SUV operating erratically, braking suddenly, swerving and accelerating to approximately 70 miles per hour according to the report. Upon pulling the vehicle over, the operator, Andrew Chhom, 26, of Danbury, admitted to having consumed alcoholic beverages. He subsequently failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs; driving too slow, and failure to drive in a proper lane. After posting a $1,000 surety bond, he was scheduled to appear in court on October 22.

Motorcycle Into Guardrail

Newtown police responded to the area of 4 Pearl Street October 11 at about 1:25 pm to investigate a minor single vehicle collision involving a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle. According to the report, the operator, Kurt Goldbach of that address, was turning from the residence westbound on Pearl Street when the motorcycle traveled off the roadway and struck a guard rail. There was minor damage to the bike, and no injuries resulted. Goldbach was given a verbal warning for making a restricted turn.

Two Vehicles Towed

State Police and Newtown fire and ambulance volunteers responded to a two vehicle collision on eastbound Interstate 84 just prior to Exit 9 on October 12 at about 3:53 pm. Upon investigating, troopers determined that George Najam, 67, of Danbury was operating a 2014 Toyota Sienna X when it struck the rear of a 2014 Ford Escape being operated by a Newtown Center, Mass., resident transporting two passengers. Newtown ambulance crews transported the driver of the Ford to Danbury Hospital complaining of chest pain, while both passengers and Najam all complained of pain but refused medical treatment. Both vehicles were towed from the scene and Najam received an infraction for failure to maintain an established distance.

Evading Driver Sought

Newtown Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the driver who struck another vehicle October 10 at about 10:15 pm at the intersection of Grays Plain and Berkshire Roads. According to the report, Kimberly Sarah Rice, 25, of Danbury was operating a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu when a second, four-door red or maroon-colored vehicle failed to stop at the intersection and struck the Chevy. The offending vehicle then left the scene. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact investigating officer Leonard Penna at 203-426-5841.

Motor Bike Found

On October 10, police received a report from a Housatonic Drive homeowner that a lime green Baja Motor Sports 90cc Dirt Runner motorcycle had been found in the Housatonic River. Anyone with information on the bike, or who wishes to claim it, can contact the Newtown Police Department at 203-426-5841.