The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25:

• Nathan J. Hall, 36, of 528 Flanders Rd., Southington was charged on Sept. 27 with failure to respond to an infraction
• Lisa Johnson, 38, of 81 Norton St., Plantsville, was charged on Sept. 27 with disorderly conduct.
• Gregory Johnson, 42, of 81 Norton St., Plantsville, was charged on Sept. 27 with disorderly conduct.
• Mary Ellen Rogers, 51, of 215 Marion Ave., Southington was charged on Sept. 27 with second degree violaton of conditons of release.
• Joseph E. Johnson, 48, of 215 Marion Ave., Southington was charged on Sept. 27 with violation of a protective order.
• Jordan Torres, 26, of 19 Guiel Pl., Meriden, was charged on Sept. 27 with sixth degree larceny.
• Lucienprimo Polumbo, 19, of 55 Wiese Albert Rd., Higganum, was charged on Sept. 28 with interfering with a 911 call, disorderly conduct, second degree unlawful restraint, and second degree criminal mischief. In a second incident, he was charged with third degree criminal mischief, tampering with a motor vehicle, and sixth degree larceny. In a third incident, he was charged with third degree criminal mischief.
• Jennifer Solomon, 48, of 100 Kathryn Ln., Southington was charged on Sept. 28 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug, failure to obey a traffic signal, and traveling too fast.
• Lisa M. Resto, 27, of 200 Hart St., New Britain, was charged on Sept. 30 with sixth degree larceny.
• Joseph C. Rizzo, 42, of 148 Beecher St., Southington was charged on Sept. 30 with first degree sexual assault and second degree unlawful restraint.
• Anthony J. Pizzitola, 34, of 72 Village Gate Dr., Southington was charged on Sept. 30 with disorderly conduct.
• Anthony M. Pizzitola, 54, of 72 Village Gate Dr., Southington was charged on Sept. 30 with disorderly conduct.
• Clinton Damboise, 40, of PO Box 606, Bradfield, Maine, was charged on Oct. 1 with extradition.
• Thomas Alexander Mullins, 47, of 122 Hill St., Naugatuck, was charged on Oct. 1 with extradition.
• Tiffany L. Johnson-Tonn, 30, of 110 Berlin St., Southington was charged on Oct. 1 with sixth degree larceny.
• Michael C. Corbo, 27, of 37 Cornelius Ave., Waterbury, was charged on Oct. 1 with second degree violation of conditions of release.
• Ramon Nieves, 34, of 269 Sylvan Ave., Waterbury, was charged on Oct. 3 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug, failure to drive right, and failure to signal a turn.
• Jossean Crispin, 29, of 2 Granite St., Waterbury, was charged on Oct. 4 with simple trespassing.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

Southington officers arrested a Bristol man for leaving his handgun unattended at Crescent Lake on Sept. 21, 2016. Brian Trottier, 43, of Bristol was issued a misdemeanor summons for second degree reckless endangerment.

Police were called to the incident at 3:07 p.m. on Sept. 21 when a handgun was located on a trail at the property on Shuttle Meadow Rd. The gun, a loaded Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun, was found on the ground along a lakeside walking trail.

Trottier approached the investigating officers and claimed ownership of the gun. He said that he sat down along the lake with the gun in his waistband, and the gun became uncomfortable. He set the gun on the ground beside him but forgot to take it with him when he got up.

Trottier was released on a $1,000 bond and given a court appearance date of Oct. 11, 2016 at Bristol Superior Court.

Nikhil Kumar

Kikhil Kumar, 23, of West Hartford, turned himself into Southington police on Thursday, Oct. 6, at approximately 9 p.m. after learning of an active warrant for his arrest for depositing stolen checks.

The warrant alleges that KUmar deposited two stolen checks into his bank account in early August via a local ATM machine, and he made a third fraudulent transaction with a stolen check via a banking app. The transactions totaled $764.64.

The stolen checks were from an account held by Kumar’s former girlfriend.

He was processed and charged with fifth degree larceny and two counts of fraudulent use of an auto teller machine. He was released on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bristol Superior Court on Oct. 17, 2016.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Monday, Oct. 10:

• Gary Allard, 53, of 30 Kay Lane, Waterbury, was charged on Sept. 28 with failure to drive in the proper lane, reckless driving, evading responsibility, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.
• Amanda L. Batchelder, 30, of 3 Oak St., Watertown, was charged on Oct. 2 with third degree criminal mischief, interfering with an officer, and breach of peace.
• Tristen A. Meyer, 29, of 227 Manor Rd, Southington, was charged on Oct. 3 with evading responsibility and reckless driving.
• David Divalentino, 53, of 1 Labella Circle, Middletown, was charged on Oct. 4 with creating a public disturbance.
• Vanessa T. Ingram, 32, of 105 Farmstead Rd., Southington, was charged on Oct. 5 with second degree failure to appear.
• James Gill, 43, of 525 Crown St., Meriden, was charged on Oct. 6 with three counts of third degree larceny, three counts of interfering with a burial ground, and three counts of unlawful possession or sale of gravestones.
• William H. Badgley, 57, of 2786 Meriden Waterbury Tpk., Marion, was charged on Oct. 6 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug and breach of peace.
• Nikhil Kumar, 23, of 62 Grissom Dr., West Hartford, was charged on Oct. 6 with fifth degree larceny and two counts of fraudulent use of an ATM.
• Gary Hudson, 44, of 230 Sunnydale Ave., Bristol, was charged on Oct. 7 with sixth degree larceny.
• Michael Mongillo, 56, of 677 Pleasant St., Southington, was charged on Oct. 7 with possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Jose Cifuentes, 34, of 167 Chattam St., New Haven, was charged on Oct. 7 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug, failure to drive right, and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
• Jason Bednarz, 25, of 132 Birch Dr., Cheshire, was charged on Oct. 9 with two incidents of first degree failure to appear and one incident of second degree failure to appear.
• Tianna Laboy, 18, of 543 Orchard St., New Haven, was charged on Oct. 10 with second degree failure to appear.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

Southington police have tracked down a Southington man for vandalizing the main entrance at Southington High School. Nicholas A. Dusza, 27, of Southington was issued a summons for loitering on school grounds and third degree criminal mischief.

The investigation began on Oct. 18, 2016 when a police officer was conducting an extra check at the high school at approximately 3:44 a.m. He observed a white male near the main school entrance, and later identified him as Dusza. The Southington man had allegedly thrown eggs and ketchup on and near the front entrance windows and surrounding grounds. Dusza, who appeared to be intoxicated, gave no explanation besides stating, he was “blowing off steam.”

He was given a court date of Oct. 31, 2016 at the Bristol Court.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Friday, Oct. 7 through Tuesday, Oct. 18:

• Frank M. Giannini, 45, of 20 Autran Ave, Southington, was charged on Oct. 7 with breach of peace and unlawful restraint.
• Jordan S. Creem, 28, of 18 Stagecoach Ln., Wolcott, was charged on Oct. 2 with evading responsibility and failure to maintain lane.
• Cynthia Cuccaro, 53, of 57 Berlin Ave., Southington, was charged on Oct. 11 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, failure to wear a seatbelt, and failure to drive right.
• Daryl Adamaitis, 29, of 36 Pinecrest Dr., Southington, was charged on Oct. 11 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, and traveling too fast.
• Pietro Marcuccio, 52, of 223 Meriden Ave., Southington, was charged on Oct. 15 with sixth degree larceny.
• Joseph Rodriguez, 24, of 36 Beach Ave., Terryville, was charged on Oct. 16 with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault, and second degree threatening.
• Wilfredo Vazquez, 40, of (last known address) 36 Beach Ave., Terryville, was charged on Oct. 16 with second degree breach of peace.
• William G. Hurley Jr., 61, of 190 Berlin Ave., Southington, was charged on Oct. 17 with disorderly conduct.
• William E. Hurley, 31, of 190 Berlin Ave., Southington, was charged on Oct. 17 with disorderly conduct.
• Nicholas A. Dusza, 27, of 40 Holland View Dr., Southington, was charged on Oct. 18 with loitering on school grounds and third degree criminal mischief.
• Kevin R. Sisco, 27, of 50 Baldwin Cir., Southington, was charged on Oct. 18 with second degree failure to appear.
• Joseph W. Martirano, 19, of 421 Farmington Ave., New Britain, was charged on Oct. 18 with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Sarah E. Smith, 20, of 67 Bishop Ave., Southington, was charged on Oct. 19 with disorderly conduct.
• Monica M. McGill, 43, of 1576 Wolcott Rd., Wolcott, was charged on Oct. 21 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug.
• Jessica L. Putnam, 24, of 14 Yorkshire Way, Burlington, was charged on Oct. 20 with passing a school bus.
• Veronica Oliveira, 39, of 98 Stewart St., Bristol, was charged on Oct. 20 with passing a school bus.
• Brian Rosadini, 22, of 62 Wanda Dr., Higganum, was charged on Oct. 21 with second degree reckless endangerment.
• Kylon R. Brown, 18, of 165 Adrian Ave., Newington, was charged on Oct. 21 with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Liam T. Gilbert, 21, of 414 Church St., Newington, was charged on Oct. 21 with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Selena R. Bouchard, 44, of 13 Darling St., Southington, was charged on Oct. 24 with disorderly conduct and third degree assault.
• Daniel Forgione, 26, of 438 South End Rd., Plantsville, was charged on Oct. 24 with driving under the influence of liquor or drug and evading responsibility.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

Southington police issued another arrest for an unattended handgun. Brian Rosadini, 22, of Higganum, was arrested for leaving a handgun in his hotel room on Oct. 21.

On Friday, Oct. 21, at 1:09 p.m., the Days Inn (30 Laning St.) front desk contacted police to report that a guest left a gun in one of the hotel rooms at checkout. The room had been rented by Rosadini.

While cleaning the room, Days Inn staff located a 9 mm handgun secured inside a holster. It was in the night table drawer. The magazine was loaded, but there was no round in the chamber. A records check revealed the handgun was a legally registered to Rosadini, who holds a valid Connecticut pistol permit.

Police contacted Rosadini by phone, and he met them at Southington Police Department headquarters. Rosadini was issued a misdemeanor summons for second degree reckless endangerment. He was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Bristol Superior Court on Oct. 31.

The handgun and the pistol permit were seized by police.

This is the third incident of this sort in town since June. The first involved a handgun that was left in a restaurant bathroom. The second was a handgun that was dropped at Crescent Lake, and this one was the third.

Gregory West

Police arrested Gregory West, 32, of Southington for a string of armed robberies in town between Oct. 1 and Oct. 22.

The investigation stems from armed robberies at Subway Restaurant (915 Meriden Waterbury Tpk) on Oct. 1; M&R Liquors (920 Queen St.) on Oct. 6; Super 66 Liquors (975 Meriden Waterbury Tpk.) on Oct. 14; and Fleet Gas (1611 Meriden Waterbury Tpk.) on Oct. 22.

In all cases, witnesses described the suspect as a white male in his late 20s to early 30s, between 5’9” and 6’2”, 170 to 200 pounds with facial hair. The suspect was wearing a white baseball hat with a logo, a dark colored, zip-up hoodie, blue jeans, and black and white sneakers.

In all cases, the suspect entered the business, approached the cashier and demanded all the money from the cash register. The suspect implied he had a weapon by keeping his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket and announcing it to the cashiers. The suspect was seen fleeing the scenes in a black colored Nissan 350Z/370Z style vehicle.

West was developed as a suspect, and an arrest warrant was granted for his arrest. On Oct. 28, at 6:30 a.m., he was taken into custody and charged with four counts of second degree robberty and four counts of sixth degree larceny. He was held on a $400,000 bond and transported to Bristol Superior Court the same day.

Halloween is a fun night for thousands of ghosts and goblins across Connecticut.  With safety in mind, the Connecticut State Police has some tips for keeping our state’s youngest residents safe during the evening of Monday, Oct. 31. Children and parents are urged to follow these instructions for an exciting night of trick or treating:

• Wear bright, light-colored or reflective costumes so that motorists see you. Add reflective tape to trick-or-treat bags for increased visibility.
• Carry a flashlight so that you will be seen as you walk from house to house.
• Use caution as you visit houses. Be alert for objects or toys in the walkway or on the porch.
• Never enter anyone’s house or car for a treat.
• Always go trick-or-treating in a group that includes adults; never go out alone.
• Do not eat any treats until you arrive home and your parents inspect all goodies.
• Only collect treats from those you know.
• Always watch for cars as you walk from house to house.
• Do not wear a mask that hinders vision in any way.

Before Halloween night, residents are reminded to clear walkways of any obstacles that could hamper visits from costumed youngsters.  Parents should inspect all treats collected by their children and dispose of any items that appear to be unsafe for consumption, such as unwrapped, partially opened, discolored or out-of-the-ordinary treats.

In addition, parents are urged to check the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry prior to Halloween night so they can map out their trick-or-treating routes. www.ct.gov/despp  Troopers also remind all drivers to be aware of pedestrians on Halloween night.  Drive cautiously and obey all traffic laws on Halloween and every day. Be aware of children who may be running from house to house.

The Connecticut state police and Southington police will be out in force on Halloween to keep state residents safe.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Friday, Oct. 7 through Tuesday, Oct. 18:

• Michelle Dufour, 34, of 26 Dwight St., Bristol, was charged on Oct. 24 with sixth degree larceny.
• Stella E. Labree, 72, of 53 Main St., South Meriden, was charged on Oct. 24 with passing a school bus.
• Jocelyne Ferrer, 76, of 234 East St., Plainville, was charged on Oct. 24 with passing a school bus.
• Ashley N. St John, 29, of 139 Autumn Dr., Southington, was charged on Oct. 25 with second degree failure to appear.

Steven Leonard

Police arrested a Wallingford man after a handgun incident on 107 Farmstead Rd. in Southington. On Monday, Oct. 31, Steven Leonard, 30, was arrested at his Wallingford residence about two hours after being involved in the dispute.

Police were dispatched to the incident just after midnight (12:09 a.m.) on a report of a verbal argument involving a firearm. The investigation showed that Leonard confronted the female victim and a male acquaintance in the parking lot at 107 Farmstead Rd. During the confrontation, Leonard allegedly pointed a gun with a laser sight at the man, at which time the woman stepped between them.

At this point, Leonard allegedly punched his male acquaintance in the face. When police were called, Leonard fled the scene.

Officers made contact with Leonard, and he claimed that the gun he displayed was a water pistol with a laser taped to it. While at his residence, Leonard turned over a .380 caliber handgun with a laser sight to officers. This handgun was similar to what the victim described. The handgun and Leonard’s Connecticut pistol permit were seized.

Leonard was transported to Southington police headquarters and charged with first degree threatening, second degree reckless endangerment, and second degree breach of peace. He was processed and released on $5000 bond. His court date was scheduled for the same day.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

Edward Ciesielski, 21, of New Britain was arrested by Southington police after threatening victims from an earlier arrest. On Oct. 29, at approximately 2 a.m., Ciesielski was charged with two counts of witness intimidation, two counts of second degree threatening, and two counts of second degree breach of peace.

Police were dispatched shortly after midnight when they received a complaint from a victim and his acquaintance about receiving threatening text messages from Ciesielski. Both victims are victims and/or potential witnesses in an other case which occurred on Oct. 10, 2016 where Ciesielski was charged with conspiracy to commit first degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first degree kidnapping with a firearm, conspiracy to commit second degree assault with a firearm, conspiracy to commit third degree larceny, first degree reckless endangerment, and first degree unlawful restraint.  Ciesielski was arrested by police for that previous incident on Oct. 27 via warrant.

For the current complaint, Ciesielski was released on a $75,000 bond and given a court appearance of Nov. 7 at the Bristol court.

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Friday, Oct. 21 through Wednesday, Nov. 2:

• Victoria M. Shay, 21, of 71 County Rd., Marion, was arrested on Oct. 21 and charged with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Michael Malak, 29, of 5 Midvale Rd., Waterbury, was arrested on Oct. 26 and charged with third degree larceny.
• Edward Ciesielski, 21, of 697 East St., New Britain, was arrested on Oct. 27 and charged with conspiracy to commit first degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first degree kidnapping with a firearm, conspiracy to commit second degree assault with a firearm, conspiracy to commit third degree larceny, first degree reckless endangerment, and first degree unlawful restraint.
• Gregory A. West, 32, of 27 Railroad Ave., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 28 for four separate incidents and was charged with sixth degree larceny and second degree robbery for each incident.
• Herbert L. Roy, 51, of 88 Village St., Vernon-Rockville, was arrested on Oct. 28 and charged with violation of a protective order.
• Garry Allard, 53, of 30 Kay Lane, Waterbury, was arrested on Oct. 28 and charged with second degree criminal mischief and violation of a protective order.
• Edward Ciesielski, 21, of 697 East St., New Britain, was arrested on Oct. 29 and charged with evading responsibility and failure to drive in the proper lane. He was also arrested on Oct. 29 and charged with two counts of second degree breach of peace, two counts of second degree threatening, and two counts of intimidating a witness.
• Andrzej Rzadkiewicz, 43, of 65 Nunzio Dr., Plantsville, was arrested on Oct. 29 and charged with driving under the influence of liquor or drug.
• Barbara Nolan, 53, of 69 Henry St., New Britain, was arrested on Oct. 30 and charged with sixth degree larceny, third degree robbery, and second degree breach of peace.
• Brittney Marie Smith, 21, of 1275 Andrews St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 30 and charged with simple trespassing.
• Max Mongillo, 18, of 1134 Woodruff St., Southington, was arrested on Oct. 30 and charged with simple trespassing.
• Steven M. Leonard, 30, of 76 Temper Dr., Wallingford, was arrested on Oct. 31 and charged with second degree breach of peace, first degree threatening, and second degree reckless endangerment.
• Joshua Casey, 29, of 9 Woodglenn Dr., Waterbury, was arrested on Nov. 2 and charged with violation of a protective order.
• Yunier Fonsea-Aparicio, 33, of 26 1 Guiel Pl., Meriden, was arrested on Nov. 2 and charged with passing a school bus.

The prescription drop box is featured in a recent STEPS video. The box has been a big success over the last four years.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

The idea was a simple one: set up a drop box for unused prescriptions to keep them out of the water supply. In October 2012, the drop box was unveiled at the Southington Police Department headquarters with hopeful applause from town boards, police, and local civic groups.

It took a village. The Southington Town-Wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) spearheaded the campaign. Wheeler Clinic of Plainville financed the cost of the box. Augustine Builders in Southington installed the box as a gift to the community, and Covanta Energy agreed to dispose of the discarded medication at no cost to the town.

Four years later, the drop box has become one of the biggest collaborative projects in STEPS history.

The Southington Police Department (SPD) is still home to the large green drop-off container for expired and unused medicine, and it continues to be available to the public 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Instead of flushing medications which end up in the water system, anyone can dispose of unused prescriptions safely through the box, keeping them out of reach for children and minors.

“From the environmental perspective, it is helping to keep our water system clean,” STEPS youth prevention coordinator Kelly Leppard said. “From the prevention side, it is reducing access to prescription medications and raising awareness of the misuse and dangers of taking medications that aren’t prescribed to you.”

Leppard said that in the years prior to the dropbox, STEPS partnered with the Southington Water Department for the Medication Take Back Project, where residents could drop off their medications. “Although it was a great project, the actual event itself was a huge undertaking and was only once a year,” she said. “John Dobbins, who is now a retired pharmacist, took the lead with STEPS, Wheeler Clinic, and the Southington Police Department to create a way for residents to dispose of medications on an ongoing basis.”

The prescription drop box is located just inside the entrance at the Southington Police Department, 69 Lazy Ln., Southington, CT 06489. Tel: (860) 621-0101

Today, the SPD is in charge of emptying the box, logging the items, and getting the contents to Covanta in Bristol. Covanta is an environmentally friendly waste management facility that turns waste into energy. They safely dispose the medications Southington brings them.

Town Manager Garry Brumback said that Southington was one of the first towns in Connecticut to establish a drug drop-off box. “STEPS has been a wonderful partner in both getting the word out and reinforcing the message,” he said.

“In addition,” Leppard said, “we have been educating the community on the importance of keeping medications in a locked or secure location until they are used or disposed at the drop box.”

Recently, STEPS produced an online video initiative that includes new and updated information about the coalition. The video has members from the different sectors in town speaking on behalf of STEPS and what it stands for.

“Through a comprehensive coalition structure where all sectors of the community are represented, STEPS has done a great job in getting conversations and campaigns started that will have lasting positive impact on the youth and adults in this community,” said Southington Youth Services director Christina Simms.

The Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) coalition hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to preventing youth from risky behaviors and substance abuse.

Since its start-up, STEPS has worked within the community to help make Southington a safer place to live. The coalition includes people from every sector of the community, including substance prevention programs, media, the Southington Board of Education and school system, local government, healthcare professionals, several civic and volunteer groups, the United Way of Southington, religious and fraternal organizations, Police and Fire Departments, the YMCA, Youth Services, the Chamber of Commerce, parents, PTO groups and most importantly, Southington’s youth.

Simms said, “STEPS, as a prevention coalition takes a proactive approach to empower individuals to foster a climate where illegal drugs and tobacco are not used at all, prescription drugs and over the counter medications are only used for their intended purpose, and alcohol use is only acceptable for adults.”

The video can be obtained at www.southingtonsteps.org/about.

Information about the drop-box is at www.southingtonsteps.org, www.southingtonpolice.org, and the Plainville-Southington Regional Health District website www.pshd.org.

Click to Enlarge

The Southington Police Department
69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489
(860) 378-1600

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Thursday, Nov. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 13:

• Chaz McElroy, 29, of 108 Governor St., Bristol, was arrested on Nov. 3 and charged with third degree larceny.
• Robert D. Fontaine, 33, of 86 Bates Pond Rd., Canterbury, was arrested on Nov. 3 and charged with two counts of sixth degree larceny.
• Adam Dzilenski, 28, of 31 Southington Ave., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 4 and charged with reckless use of a highway.
• Andrew A. Mals, 19, of 99 York Rd., Kensington, was arrested on Nov. 4 and charged with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Roseann J. Brandi, 71, of 29 Mountain Ln., Farmington, was arrested on Nov. 5 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Kimberly R. Ayotte, 34, of 49 Muir Terr., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 6 and charged with driving under the influence of liquor or drug, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.
• Christopher Sadowski, 29, of 60 Partridge Ln, Berlin, was arrested on Nov. 6 and charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with a 911 call. In a separate incident, he was arrested and charged with second degree violation of conditions of release.
• Alan Caron Jr., 21, of 60 Dobek Rd., New Britain, was arrested on Nov. 8 and charged with violation of a protective order.
• Michael A. Mitchner, 50, of 361 Zion St., Hartford, was arrested on Nov. 8 and charged with failure to respond to a violation.
• Michael A, Magson, 47, of 52 Loper St., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 10 and charged with disorderly conduct and reckless driving.
• Eric W. Hilton, 40, of 156 Huckleberry Ln., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 11 and charged with violation of a protective order.
• John P. Skinnon, 45, of 34 Beech St., Bristol, was arrested on Nov. 13 and charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, illegal use of a fake gun, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Katie Copeland, 36, of 94 Berlin Ave., Southington, was arrested on Nov. 13 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Maurice Winslow, 33, of 1 Hillcrest Dr., Waterford, was arrested on Nov. 13 and charged with disorderly conduct.

John Skinnon

Police arrested a Bristol man for carrying weapons near Pat’s Ice Cream on Main St. in Southington. On Sunday, Nov. 13, John Skinnon, 45, of Bristol, was arrested and charged with possession of a facsimile firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:37 a.m. on a report of a suspicious vehicle at the former BP gas station, located at 398 Main St. The complainant observed a car pull into the parking lot, and the operator exited the vehicle, walked behind Pat’s Ice Cream, and continued towards CVS.

Responding Officers also found that there was tape covering the rear and front registration plates of the parked vehicle.

Officers did not find any indications of a burglary at Pat’s Ice Cream, but while checking the building they saw Skinnon walking back toward his vehicle from the area of CVS with a canvas bag. Skinnon said that he parked the vehicle at the gas station due to mechanical issues.

Officers checked the canvas bag, and they found a large kitchen knife and a realistic looking facsimile hand gun. Skinnon claimed he was carrying these items for his protection. A search of the vehicle also revealed a hypodermic needle on the floor.

Based on the investigation, Skinnon was taken into custody. He was held on a $25,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 14.

The Southington Police Department announced that Southington’s winter ordinances are now in effect. As of Tuesday, Nov. 15, certain parking bans and winter storm rules are being enforced.

Street Parking

From Nov. 15 to April 15, it is unlawful for vehicles to stand or park on any street in Southington for more than one hour between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. A $10 fine applies. (Sec. 12-72)

Emergency Parking Ban

The chief of police or his designee may terminate street parking on any or all streets of the Town of Southington during a snowstorm or other emergency. The illegal parking could lead to the vehicle being ticketed ($10 fine) and towed at the owner’s expense. (Sec. 12-73)

Maintenance of sidewalks

Owners, tenants, or occupants are responsible for removing snow from sidewalks within 24 hours. Icy sidewalks should be covered with sand or other substance within three hours of accumulation.

Failure to do so is subject to $95 in fines. (Sec. 17-2)

Snow Removal

No owner, tenant, occupant, or other individual shall obstruct rights-of-way by throwing snow by hand or machine onto sidewalks or roads, although cul-de-sac residents shall be subject to consideration of the difficulties of snow removal in their areas. A $25 fine applies. (Sec. 17-3 (b))

Robert Teck

When store officials saw a potential shoplifter fleeing on foot from TJ Maxx at 875 Queen St., they called police. After a short search, Robert Teck, 47, of Torrington, was found hiding between vehicles and was taken into custody without incident.

At approximately 4:22 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, police received a call from TJ Maxx loss prevention employees about a shoplifting in progress. The suspect was seen fleeing toward Shop Rite, and he was hiding in between cars in the parking area.

Store employees reported that Teck was seen entering the store, selecting two packs of T-shirts, four pairs of underwear, a pair of neck ties, and a leather belt. He concealed the items in his jacket and exited the store without paying. Loss prevention employees approached Teck outside the store, and he dumped the merchandise on the ground and fled on foot.

The items stolen were valued at $156.91.

Teck was arrested and charged with sixth degree larceny. He was released on a $3,000 bond and scheduled to appear in Bristol Court on Nov. 21.

As motorists take to the roads this Holiday travel Period and beyond, the Southington Police Department is urging everyone to buckle up.  Beginning Monday, Nov. 21, local police will be out in force, taking part in the 2016 national Click It or Ticket campaign. The crack down will continue through Monday, Nov. 28.

Police will be on alert for motorists who are not wearing seatbelts, along with distracted drivers and drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For more on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, visit www.nhtsa.gov

On Nov. 17, Southington police, in conjunction with the STEPS Coalition, conducted off-premise alcohol compliance checks throughout the town of Southington.

A 19-year-old minor was used to check 25 establishments that sell alcohol by permit. Two local businesses sold alcohol to the minor.

Karthik Doddapaneni, 26, of Newington, an employee at Wine Works at 1700 West St., was found to be non-compliant with state and local laws. Phoenix Pedroso, 22, of Bristol, an employee at Queen Street Liquors at 1079 Queen St. was also found to be non-compliant.

Both employees who sold the alcohol were charged with violating Connecticut General Statute 30-87, inducing a minor to possess alcohol (selling alcohol to a minor). They were released on a $500 bond and are scheduled to appear in the Bristol Superior Court on Nov. 28.

The following 23 establishments were found to be compliant during the checks:

Queen Street Liquors at 1079 Queen St.; M&R Liquor at 920 Queen St.; South Town Liquors at 685 Queen St.; World Wide Wine and Spirits at 480 Queen St.; Liquor Outlet at 400 North Main St.; West Side Spirits at 718 West St.; Country Farm Convenience at 682  West St.; Price Chopper at 410 Queen St; Shoprite at 750 Queen St; Stop and Shop at 505 North Main St.; Southington Wine and Spirits at 235 Queen St.; Tops Market at 887 M&W Rd.; Dairy Farms at 68 Berlin St.; Dairy Farms at 64 South Center St; Little Red Store at 252 Marion Ave; Lefty’s Imported and Domestic Wines at 1207 South Main St; South Main Liquors at 857 South Main St; Sassy Liquors at 264 M&W Rd; Super 66 Liquors at 975 M&W Rd; Millldale Liquor at 1664 M&W Rd.; Southington Colonial Spirits at 255 Berlin Ave.; Bridge Wine and Spirits at 133 West Center St.; and Wineland at 1543 Meriden Waterbury Rd.