Courtney Wells, 48, of Southington, turned herself into Southington Police on June 7, at 7 a.m., after learning that she was the subject of two superior court warrants for embezzlement. The warrants were a result of a several month long investigation by the detective bureau.

The investigation began when reports were received about the embezzlement of $98,955.04 from the Southington Lacrosse Association’s bank account, which resulted in money used for her own personal benefit. Wells was the Southington Lacrosse Association treasurer from 2011 to 2016.

Further investigation revealed an additional embezzlement of $376,099.55 from her employer, Jones Engineering, LLC where she worked as a bookkeeper during this same time period.  The investigation discovered Wells was using funds stolen from Jones Engineering, LLC to reimburse the funds stolen from Southington Lacrosse Association bank account in an effort to pay back the money.

Wells was charged with first degree larceny and second degree money laundering for the Southington Lacrosse Association investigation. She was charged with first degree larceny and first degree forgery for the investigation at her employer. Wells was held on $75,000 bonds each warrant, totaling $150,000. She was transported to Bristol Superior Court for arraignment.

Officer Mark Dibattista

On Monday, May 29, American Legion Kiltonic Post 72 named Southington Police Officer Mark Dibattista as their police officer of the year. Legion officials presented Dibattista with his award during the ceremony held at the conclusion of the Memorial Day parade.

Dibattista started his law enforcement career with the Hartford Police Department in 2003, but he took a position within the Southington Police Department in 2006. Ina press release, Legion officials said that he has served the department and the community “in an exemplary fashion.”

Dibattista is a department field training officer tasked with training and developing new recruits in the tasks and responsibilities required to effectively perform the duties of a Southington police officer.

He is the departmental lead in the newly implemented L.E.A.P.S program, a community outreach program designed to provide resources, information and education to individuals battling heroin addiction and their families.

Dibattista saw the need to assist citizens that he came in contact with on patrol, who lacked adequate food and clothing or who were having housing issues. In an effort to assist these folks in need, Dibattista collaborated with local community groups, such as Bread for Life, STEPS and the Main Street Community foundation, to start a program where our officers have access to emergency kits. The kits contain food items, emergency blankets, and contact information for service organizations in town to further assist them in the long term.

“Officer Dibattista’ s commitment and dedication to serving the public was the primary reason he was selected as the American Legion officer of the year,” officials said in the release.

Tracy Lynn Dagata

Police arrested Tracy Lynn Dagata, 47, of Southington, after a 4-year-old in her care was found wandering near the rail trail in Southington.

Police were dispatched on June 11, at approximately 5:35 p.m., when two witnesses walking on the Southington linear trail reported a wandering child in the area of W. Center Street and Bristol Street with no adult supervision.

According to the investigation, the child was playing with another juvenile relative in the front yard of Dagata’s residence on Germania Street, and he walked away while Dagata was in the back yard.

No medical attention was needed. The child was not injured and was left in the custody of a neighbor after the Connecticut Department of Children and Families was contacted. No further details on the victim will be provided.

Dagata was arrested and charged with risk of injury to a child. She was released on a $2,500 bond with a court appearance scheduled for June 19 in Bristol.

Paul Haburay

Police arrested Paul Haburay, 58, of Hart Street in Southington after a road rage incident led to an assault on another driver.

Police were dispatched to the area of 836 Marion Ave. on June 9, at approximately 8:30 p.m., on a report of a fighting incident. When police arrived they found Haburay and a woman with swelling under her eyes from the fight.

The victim reported that she was operating her vehicle on Marion Avenue when she drove up behind a pick-up truck operated by Haburay. He swerved to the left before pulling over to the right side of the road. The victim though that Haburay wanted her to pass his vehicle, so she drove around his truck and continued on Marion Avenue.

Allegedly, the truck got behind the victim, causing the driver to think that Haburay was going to rear end her on purpose. This continued until the victim pulled into a parking lot on Marion Avenue, followed by Haburay

Both parties exited their vehicles, and the two began to argue. Haburay was reported as yelling at the victim before punching her without warning or provocation. The victim went into the building before obtaining Haburay’s license plate number and leaving the area. She refused treatment from ambulance personnel on scene.

Haburay was taken into custody at his residence without incident and charged with third degree assault and illegal operation of a motor vehicle with intent to harass or intimidate. He was released on a $2,000 bond with a court appearance scheduled for June 19 in Bristol.

Norman Renaldi

Southington police have arrested one man and are still looking for a second suspect from a bank robbery and kidnapping on June 18 at the People’s Bank inside the Southington Stop & Shop at 505 N. Main St.

Norman Renaldi, 44, of Dogleg Rd. Meriden, was arrested and charged with first degree robbery, second degree larceny, three counts of criminal attempt to second degree kidnapping, criminal attempt to commit robbery involving an occupied motor vehicle (carjacking), engaging in pursuit, interfering with an officer, and illegal possession of narcotics.

Police received a call for a hold-up alarm at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Friday. It was reported that a male suspect, Renaldi, entered the bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. He exited the store with $12,669.00 and got into a red minivan operated by a second suspect.  The suspect vehicle left the area and headed northbound on Route 10. An officer saw the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it in the area of the Walmart store on Queen Street.

To avoid the officer, the suspect vehicle did a u-turn, striking another vehicle before fleeing southbound on Rt. 10. In the area of the intersection of N. Main Street and Curtiss Street, the suspect vehicle had a tire go flat. The vehicle continued to drive until it reached the area of the Shell Gas station, located at 212 Main St., where it pulled to the side of the road.

There, the two suspects fled the vehicle. Renaldi was taken into custody by police, but the second suspect got into a white Jeep Cherokee that was at one of the gas pumps at the Shell Station and drove away, leaving the male who had been pumping gas at that location. The male’s wife and grandchildren (ages 6 and 3) were still inside the vehicle at the time the second suspect fled the area in it.

A short time later, all three victims were released from the vehicle at a commuter lot off of Exit 26 of I-84 near the Cheshire-Waterbury line. No injuries were reported.

Renaldi is being held on a $500,000 bond and was scheduled to appear at the Bristol Court on Monday, June 19. Officers recovered all of the money that was reported stolen.

At this point, Southington detectives are still actively following leads in an attempt to identify the co-conspirator. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. A. Tillotson at (860) 378-1667 or atillotson@southingtonpolice.org.

Tips can also be reported to the anonymous tip line at (860) 276-1234.

Lamara McCarthy (courtesy of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles).

The Southington Police Department Detective Division has identified the second suspect in the robbery of the People United Bank inside Stop & Shop at 505 N. Main St. in Southington and the subsequent carjacking.

A warrant has been issued for Lamar McCarthy, 31, of 9 Gorham Ave. in Bloomfield, charging him with three counts of first degree kidnapping, second degree robbery, conspiracy to commit second degree robbery, second degree larceny, robbery involving an occupied vehicle (carjacking), and engaging in pursuit.

McCarthy is described as a 31-year-old black male. He is 5’9” and weighs approximately 165 pounds. If anyone has information on McCarthy’s whereabouts or sees him, call 911 or your local police department.

For more information, visit: http://southingtonobserver.com/2017/06/19/man-arrested-for-bank-robbery-and-kidnapping/

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, May 12 to Sunday, May 21:

• Courtney Wells, 48, of 38 Cambridge Dr., Southington, was arrested on June 7 and charged with first degree larceny and first degree forgery. In a second incident, she was charged with first degree larceny and second degree money laundering.
• Michael Lawrence Jr, 32, of 107 Foxton Ct., Beacon Falls, was arrested on June 9 and charged with creating a public disturbance.
• Shawnya Watson, 32, of 32 Darling St., Southington, was arrested on June 9 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Shamel Scaife, 24, of 16 Hawkins St., Waterbury, was arrested on June 9 and charged with first degree failure to appear.
• Paul Haburay, 58, of 387 Hart St., Southington, was arrested on June 9 and charged with third degree assault and operating a motor vehicle with intent to harass or intimidate.
• Christopher Clarke, 44, of 1575 Highland Ave., Waterbury, was arrested on June10 and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drug and failure to maintain proper lane.
• Stacy Taber, 48, of 95 White Oak Dr., Southington, was arrested on June11 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Tracy Dagata, 47, of 77 Germania St., Southington, was arrested on June11 and charged with risk of injury to a minor.
• Christopher Sadowski, 30, of 60 Partridge Ln., Berlin, was arrested on June 11 and charged with violation of a protective order.
• Robert Gianni, 60, of 623 Marion Ave., Southington, was arrested on June11 and charged with violation of a protective order.

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

The Southington Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Tuesday,June 6 to Sunday,June 18:

• Michael Badgley, 29, of 2786 Meriden Waterbury Tpk., Marion, was arrested on June 14 and charged with possession of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, second degree criminal mischief, and conspiracy to commit second degree criminal mischief.
• Lynze Khan, 23, of 61 Teri Ct., Southington, was arrested on June 14 and charged with possession of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, second degree criminal mischief, and conspiracy to commit second degree criminal mischief.
• Lawrence J. Cardinal III, 22, of 191 Queen St., Southington, was arrested on June 14 and charged with driving under the influence of liquor or drug and failure to drive in the proper lane.
• Gary P. Raymond, 60, of 74 Savage St., Southington, was arrested on June 14 and charged with possession of narcotics, possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle with tinted windows without a DMV tint sticker.
• David Verchinski, 32, of 114 Meriden Ave., Southington, was arrested on June 15 and charged with disorderly conduct, second degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disobeying an officer’s signal.
• John Farrell, 28, of 1621 N. Colony Rd., Meriden, was arrested on June 16 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Jennifer A. Wright, 47, of 24 Pine Grove Rd., Southington, was arrested on June 14 and charged with first degree criminal trespassing and sixth degree larceny.
• Peter Sherman, 46, of 500 Darling St., Southington, was arrested on June 16 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Torrie Hyde, 30, of 103 Kingswood Dr., Southington, was arrested on June 16 and charged with sixth degree larceny, credit card theft, and illegal use of a credit card. In a second incident, Hyde was charged with sixth degree larceny, credit card theft, credit card fraud, second degree identity theft, and criminal impersonation.
• Leo Giattino, 23, of 58 White Oak Lane, Wolcott, was arrested on June 16 and charged with disorderly conduct, third degree assault, first degree unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, second degree harassment, and interfering with a 911 call.
• Joseph Berger, 42, of 925 Oronoke Rd., Waterbury, was arrested on June 16 and charged with second degree breach of peace and second degree harassment.
• David Mercer, 39, of 30 Darling St., Southington, was arrested on June 17 and charged with risk of injury to a minor, disorderly conduct, and second degree threatening. In a second incident, Mercer was charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Norman Renaldi, 44, of last known address 75 Dogleg Dr., Meriden, was arrested on June 18 and charged with second degree larceny, first degree robbery, attempting robbery by carjacking, interfering with an officer, second degree attempted kidnapping, engaging police in pursuit, and possession of narcotics.
• George Cook, 32, transient, was arrested on June 18 and charged with second degree failure to appear.

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

On Saturday, June 24, at approximately 12:19 p.m., police arrested Kevin Sobol, 45, of Southington after a domestic dispute at his residence on Union Street in Southington.

According to the investigation, Solbol was intoxicated and became verbally abusive toward a first victim. During the course of the incident, he allegedly broke two telephones inside the residence and threw a dish across a room before locking the first victim out of the residence.

That’s when a second victim arrived to assist the first victim back into the residence. When they entered the house, Sobol was reported as being verbally abusive toward both victims. He lunged at the first victim with a closed fist, making a motion as if he was going to punch.

When police arrived, Sobol was found in a wooded area a short distance from the residence. He was arrested and charged with third degree criminal mischief, second degree threatening, and two counts of disorderly conduct. He was processed and held on a $25,000 bond with a June 26 court date.

This incident was classified as a domestic violence incident, so no further details on the victims will be released by police.

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

On Wednesday, June 21, at approximately 7 p.m., police were dispatched to 500 Pleasant Street on a report of an altercation between two residents of the complex. Based on the investigation, police arrested Madeline Roy, 54, of 500 Pleasant St.

According to police, Roy went to confront another resident of the complex about spreading rumors. During the confrontation, Roy allegedly knocked a baseball hat off victim’s head before pushing him and nearly knocking him out of a chair. Roy continued to yell at the victim and pushed him in the chest.

The victim pushed Roy away from him, and when he said he was calling police Roy returned to her apartment. When police arrived, she was uncooperative and resisted being taken into custody. The victim claimed he has never had contact with Roy, and he does not know her.

Roy was arrested and charged with second degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer. She was released on a $5,000 bond with a court appearance scheduled for July 3.

Gary G. Termine, 52, of East Hampton, turned himself into Southington police on Friday, June 30 after learned about an active warant for his arrest surrounding an investigation into child pornography.

The warrant alleges that local police were dispatched to a residence on Woodruff Street after receiving reports about child pornography found at the residence. The complainant reported finding multiple photographs of child pornography in boxes located in a detached garage. A total of 48 images of suspected child pornography were located. Police traced these photographs back to Termine.

Termine was arrested and charged with second degree illegal possession of child pornography. He posted a $100,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Bristol Superior Court on July 10.

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, June 14 to Monday, June 26:

• John J. Fabrizi, 25, of 2 Elwell Pl, Danbury, was arrested on June 19 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Lateef Bilewu, 22, of 40 Santoro St., Waterbury, was arrested on June 17 and charged with procuring liquor for a minor.
• Melissa Dessources, 21, of 35 Plymouth St., Brockton, Mass., was arrested on June 17 and charged with procuring liquor for a minor.
• Scott Uhlman, 37, of 124 Liberty St., Southington, was arrested on June 21 and charged with third degree assault and disorderly conduct.
• Jennifer L. Kennedy, 31, of 165 W. Center St., Southington, was arrested on June 21 and charged with third degree assault and disorderly conduct.
• Adrienne E. Durando, 26, of 9 Lynne Ave., Southington, was arrested on June 21 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Danielle L. Bouvier, 31, of 32 Goodrich Rd., Farmington, was arrested on June 21 and charged with first degree criminal mischief. In a separate incident, she was charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Madeline A. Roy, 54, of 500 Pleasant St., Southington, was arrested on June 21 and charged with interfering with an officer and second degree breach of peace.
• David J. Edwards, 25, of 186 Cole Lane, Berlin, was arrested on June 22 and charged with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Uriah Sanchez, 21, of 850 Slater Rd., New Britain, was arrested on June 22 and charged with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Robert Buccheri, 60, of 41 Hart Terrace, New Britain, was arrested on June 23 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Melissa Drawec, 49, of 47 Center Rd., Savoy, Mass., was arrested on June 23 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Krystle Buchiere, 34, of 15 Montgomerie St., Limestone, Ma, was arrested on June 23 and charged with sixth degree larceny, less than $500 on a revoked credit card, reproduction of a credit card, and receipt of goods from the illegal use of a credit card.
• Leroy McGill Jr, 33, of 30 Darling St., Southington, was arrested on June 23 and charged with second degree criminal mischief and second degree breach of peace.
• Kevin W. Sobol, 45, of 60 Union St., Southington, was arrested on June 24 and charged with third degree criminal mischief, two counts of disorderly conduct, and second degree threatening.
• Gregory Zmarlicki, 24, of 90 Webster Park Rd., Southington, was arrested on June 25 and charged with second degree reckless endangerment and operating a motor vehicle under suspension.
• Kayley B. Vitale, 23, of 440 Canal St., Plantsville, was arrested on June 25 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Richard Brown, 64, of 16 Wotton Ln, Burlington, was arrested on June 14 and charged with issuing a bad check.
• Richard Tarallo, 58, of 58 Ten Acre Rd., Middletown, was arrested on June 26 and charged with sixth degree larceny and issuing a bad check.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Southington’s Town-wide Effort to Promote Success (STEPS) announced a pair of Narcan training and informational events this month. The seminars are sponsored by TriCircle Inc. in partnership with STEPS.

On Saturday, July 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, the public can learn how to reverse an opioid overdose and take home a naloxone (Narcan) kit.

Both training sessions will be held at the Southington Police Department community room, 69 Lazy Lane.

“So many families are struggling with substance abuse disorder,” said STEPS representative Megan Albanese. “Everyone is coming together to make sure Southington has the best support possible.”

Along with STEPS and TriCircle representatives, Mark Jenkins, the Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition executive director, will be onsite to provide the training. Participants will learn how to properly administer Narcan, the drug that reverses the effects of opioid use.

The event is a result of the STEPS coalition teaming up with other organizations to combat substance abuse and overdose issues.

“In a time when the entire nation is plagued by the opioid epidemic, prevention is critical,” Albanese said. “We are committed to making substance abuse prevention a priority in the Southington community.”

Founded by Ana Gopoian, TriCircle Inc. is a solution-focused recovery model where young adults with substance use disorder go through a 15-month program, comprised of three 5-month cycles. The organization is located in Meriden and is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive resources, relationships and financial support to people who struggle with substance abuse.

Gopoian collaborated with Southington Youth Services and STEPS to offer the training and help members of the community. Additionally, Gopoian spearheaded a hope and support group that will run on a trial basis through September. The group meets on the second Thursday of every month, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the Weichsel Municipal Center.

While the training event is free to attend, participants are asked to bring their insurance cards because a copay will apply for the Narcan kit. Beacon Pharmacy owner Annik Chamberlain will be the onsite pharmacist.

There are only 30 spots available for each training event, so anybody interested must sign up. To register, contact ana@tricircleinc.com with your name, email, and zip code.

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, June 27 to Sunday, July 16:

• Katrell Bird, 23, of 35 Devens St., New Britain, was arrested on June 27 and charged with improper number of tail lamps, possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Rodger McDonald, 46, of 2 Snake Meadow Park, Danielson, was arrested on June 28 and charged with sixth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny.
• Sebastian Wlazniak, 26, of 154 Charter Rd., Wethersfield, was arrested on June 28 and charged with third degree burglary and third degree criminal trespassing.
• Sam Mitchell, 40, of 127 Bungay Rd., Seymour, was arrested on June 29 and charged with second degree threatening and two counts of violating a protective order.
• Maureen Beatty-Foote, 59, of 561 East St., New Britain, was arrested on June 29 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Michael Scalise, 20, of 636 Orchard Rd., Berlin, was arrested on June 29 and charged with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Gary Termine, 52, of 78 Clark Hill Rd., East Hampton, was arrested on June 30 and charged with second degree child pornography.
• Matthew Schmidt, 19, of 31 Southfork Cir., Plantsville, was arrested on July 1 and charged with failure to obey a stop sign, possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of alcohol by a minor.
• Sandra Doran, 57, of 3 Woodlong Ter., Waterbury, was arrested on July 3 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Jennifer Gill, 41, of 37 Laurie Dr., Enfield, was arrested on July 3 and charged with two incidents of second degree failure to appear.
• Jessie Jerome Daley, 23, of 80 Edwards St., Bristol, was arrested on July 3 and charged with third degree burglary, third degree criminal mischief, third degree larceny, and possession of a controlled substance. In a second incident, Daley was charged with third degree burglary, sixth degree larceny, and third degree criminal trespassing.
• Donnel Bowden, 20, of 1499 Boston Ave., Bridgeport, was arrested on July 4 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Collin Coulombe, 18, of 128 Bohemia St., Plainville, was arrested on July 4 and charged with speeding and possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana.
• Jesse Rodrigues, 25, of 53 Todd Rd., Southington, was arrested on July 4 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Alex Rodrigues, 18, of 369 Mill St., Southington, was arrested on July 4 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Matthew Dion, 35, of 5 Florence Ln., Southington, was arrested on July 5 and charged with disorderly conduct and second degree threatening.
• Christine Alvani-Pagu, 48, of 18211 Bulverde Rd., San Antonio, Texas, was arrested on July 5 and charged with disorderly conduct and risk of injury.
• Cody G. Valle, 23, of 73 Berlin Ave., Southington, was arrested on July 5 and charged with first degree failure to appear.
• Melissa Cegielski, 36, of 498 Washington St., Waterbury, was arrested on July 6 and charged with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, interfering with an officer, and two counts of possession of narcotics.
• Jason Dominguez, 37, of 511 Emmett St., Bristol, was arrested on July 7 and charged with second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, failure to obey a traffic signal, and driving under the influence of liquor or drug.
• Joseph Zembko, 20, of 72 Beechwood Dr., Southington, was arrested on July 8 and charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, misuse of plates, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, operating a motor vehicle without a license, possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Michael Taber, 38, of 95 White Oak Dr., Southington, was arrested on July 8 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Stacy Taber, 48, of 95 White Oak Dr., Southington, was arrested on July 8 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Alex K. Gumprecht, 18, of 8 Hamilton Av, Southington, was arrested on July 8 and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol by a minor.
• Kenneth Bibiloni, 24, of 165 Oak St., Waterbury, was arrested on July 9 and charged with third degree criminal mischief, interfering with an officer, second degree breach of peace, and second degree unlawful restraint.
• Joshua Landeen, 34, of 23 Cole Dr, Wolcott, was arrested on July 10 and charged with disorderly conduct. •Rashaad Jamar Spain, 20, of 260 Success Av, Apt 23, Bridgeport, was arrested on July 11 and charged with second degree harassment and second degree threatening.
• Sherry Zwiebel-Halliday, 57, of 29 Metacomet View, Southington, was arrested on July 12 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Mark Halliday, 59, of 29 Metacomet View, Southington, was arrested on July 12 and charged with second degree breach of peace and third degree assault.
• Richard H. Hancock, 43, of 107 Berlin Av, Southington, was arrested on July 13 and charged with disorderly conduct and interference with an emergency call. In a second incident, Hancock was charged with violating conditions of release.
• Ashley N. Sutton, 28, of 227 Cheshire Rd, Prospect, was arrested on July 15 and charged with sixth degree larceny, making a false statement, third degree identity theft, and receiving goods from illegal use of a credit card.
• Paul Joseph Oleary, 28, of 604 Stevens St, Bristol, was arrested on July 16 and charged with interfering or resisting arrest, second degree breach of peace, and two counts of third degree assault.
• Tammy King, 45, of 30T Darling St., Southington, was arrested on July 16 and charged with sixth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny.
• Tammy Derosa, 50, of 369 Lazy Ln., Southington, was arrested on July 16 and charged with sixth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny.
• Emelia Byron, 36, of 81 Lawndale Ave., Bristol, was arrested on July 16 and charged with second degree breach of peace.

Retired Lt. Col. Cynthia C. Shain, the director of the Southern Police Institute in South Carolina, presents retired Southington Police Department Capt. Edward Pocock III with the school’s alumnus of the year award in a ceremony on Thursday, July 13.

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Town Councilor Edward Pocock III missed the Town Council meeting last week, but that’s because the retired Southington Police Department captain was being formally honored in South Carolina as the 2017 Alumnus of the Year by the Southern Police Institute (SPI).

On Thursday, July 13, Pocock attended an annual training conference in North Myrtle Beach where he was presented the award.

SPI, located at the University of Louisville’s Department of Criminal Justice, was established in 1951 and is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious law enforcement executive training institute. Each year, the SPI recognizes a former graduate who has served in law enforcement with this distinction.

To receive the award, a person must demonstrate the ability to interact positively in their community, successfully manage and implement organizational change, serve as a role model and mentor to future police leaders, and be an active participant in the Alumni Association.

Pocock met all of those qualifications and then some.

Edward S. Pocock III

Toward the end of his police career, Pocock started the Administrative Officers Course (AOC), which then led to his master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisville.

“I completed one-third of the degree on-campus and the rest online from Southington,” he said.

Pocock served as his class vice president and graduated the institute’s 129th AOC in May 2014. Though he described the courses as rigorous and tough, he graduated as a dean’s scholar with successful completion of the program with A grades across the board.

Pocock’s law enforcement service spanned over a quarter century in the Southington Police Department leading to his retirement in 2014 as Southington’s operations captain. The retired officer also shares experience and advice as an elected official on the Town Council, and he was previously involved with the Board of Police Commissioners.

“Pocock was chosen as alumnus of the Year for his passion for SPI and the University of Louisville’s educational opportunities,” officials said in a press release.

Following his retirement, Pocock became chairman and trustee of the J. Allen Lamb and Edward S. Pocock III Foundation’s board of directors. The foundation actively provides money for students pursuing degrees in higher education and law enforcement to attend leadership and management programs at SPI.

“He is creating a legacy for New England law enforcement with his energy and generous support of training,” SPI director Cindy Shain said in the release.

Pocock set up four distinct scholarships involving the University of Louisville to ensure that New England students get the opportunity to attend the school.

“I think it’s the most unique institution in the United States, and we need more people from Connecticut to go down there,” Pocock said.

In addition, Pocock serves as a frequent guest speaker at AOC on the topic of “police politics” and presents lectures for the command officer development course. He said his lectures focus on police relationships within communities, because many areas have a clear division between law enforcement and the general public.

“We have been so fortunate in Southington and in Connecticut where there is a close-knit relationship with the police,” Pocock said. “Not all communities are like that.”

The ceremony recognized Pocock for his achievements and officially named him the 2017 Alumnus of the Year. Surrounded by his family and peers, he said it was a very humbling experience to accept the award.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Jen Cardines, email her at JCardines@SouthingtonObserver.com.

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, July 13 to Sunday, July 23:

• Mark P. Vitali, 19, of 27 Village Rd., Southington, was arrested on July 13 and charged with possession of less than one half ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Gabriel M. Criscuolo, 66, of last known address 1 Darling St, 3F, Southington, was arrested on July 17 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Christopher Stregowski, 38, of 210 Main St, Apt 1, Kensington, was arrested on July 17 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Nathan Prescott, 29, of 565 Clark Ave., No. 4, Bristol, was arrested on July 19 and charged with failure to obey a stop sign and driving under the influence of liquor or drug.
• Matthew J. Deleo, 39, of 178 Jude Ln., Southington, was arrested on July 19 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Bonnie M. Davis, 31, of 49 Old Farm Rd., Bristol, was arrested on July 19 and charged with third degree larceny.
• Timothy D. Hughes, 35, of 327 E. Main St., Waterbury, was arrested on July 19 and charged with fourth degree larceny and criminal impersonation.
• Shawn M. Dobreski, 26, of 304 Terryville Rd., Bristol, was arrested on July 23 and charged with driving under the influence of liquor or drug and operating a motor vehicle under suspension.
• Andrew J. Wild, 24, of 136 Rethal St., Southington, was arrested on July 23 and charged with creating a public disturbance.
• Donald Nelson, 51, of 335 Washington St., Bristol, was arrested on July 23 and charged with violation of a protective order.

The Italian-American Festival will start on Friday evening and run through Sunday evening. The festival will be located on Center Street between N. Liberty Street and High Street. This section of roadway will be closed to all vehicular traffic starting on Friday July 28 at 6 a.m. through Sunday, July 30 at 10 p.m. The no parking order shall be in effect during this time.

Festival Hours:

• Friday, July 28, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, July 29, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, July 30, 1 p.. to 6 p.m.

Detour Route:
Vehicles will be detoured around the festival using High Street to N. Liberty or Center Street. Liberty Street traffic can use either N. Liberty to High Street or S. Center to High Street.

No Parking:
There will be no parking on both sides of the following streets:

• High Street from N. Main to Center Street;
• Center Street from High Street to Water Street;
• all of S. Center Street;
• Liberty Street from Columbus Avenue to N. Liberty Street; and
• all of N. Liberty Street.

** The east side of South Center Street has a painted white line, which runs the length of the Rails to Trails.  Parking is allowed inside this white line.

Handicap Parking:
Handicap parking will be provided in the municipal parking lot on N. Liberty Street. The entrance to the lot is located on N. Liberty Street.

Special Events:
There will be an outside church mass held on Sunday July 30, on  the stage, at 10 a.m. and then a blessed saint procession starting at approximately 11 a.m. (after the mass) through the local streets.

Please Note:  Dogs, Skateboards, In-line Skates/ Rollerblades, Bicycles, Scooters (gas, battery or push) and Motorized Vehicles are not allowed on the grounds during this event, per Town Ordinance (Sec. 12-91).  Police dogs and Service dogs are exempt.

Timothy Hughes

Timothy D. Hughes, 35, of Waterbury was taken into custody at the East Haven Police Department, at approximately 11 p.m. on July 19 on an active warrant from the Southington Police Department. Hughes was in East Haven police custody on unrelated charges, and he was transported to Southington where he was processed for the active warrant.

The warrant stems from an investigation on May 8, at 5:48 a.m., when officers responded to a report of a theft at T/A Travel Center at 1875 Meriden Waterbury Rd. The warrant alleges that on that date Hughes entered the garage area of the truck stop and purported to be from a company that handles the disposal of used tires and tire casings. He then loaded the tires into his van.

When employees asked for paperwork from Hughes, he pulled over as if he was going to comply but drove off the property without producing the paperwork. The employees were able to obtain a license plate on Hughes’ van.

The T/A Travel Center reported that 14 used tires and casings, valued at $100 apiece, were taken during this incident.

Hughes was charged with sixth degree larceny and criminal impersonation. He was released on a $1,000 bond and given a court appearance date of July 31 at the Bristol Superior Court. After being released from Southington, Hughes was turned over to the Waterbury Police Department who also had an active arrest warrant for Hughes on an unrelated charge.

Bonnie Davis

Security personnel from Target called the Southington Police Department on April 13, at approximately 11:23 a.m., to report an investigation of an employee theft. On July 19, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Bonnie Davis, 31, of Bristol was turned over to the Southington Police Department by Farmington police to face charges.

The warrant alleges that on April 8, along with another unspecified date, Davis selected numerous high dollar items from the shelves and placed them into a shopping cart. She then took the merchandise to the delivery area where she placed the items into a box and had the items shipped to her residence.

Most of the merchandise involved in this incident was electronics. Target gave a value of $5,653.31 for the merchandise.

Davis was charged with third degree larceny. she was released on a $2,500 bond with a court appearance scheduled for July 31 at the Bristol Superior 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 Thursday, July 13 to Sunday, July 23:

• Donald Nelson, 51, of 335 Washington St., Bristol, was arrested on July 23 and charged with violation of a protective order.
• Magdalena Szczygiel, 32, of 136 Curtiss St., Bristol, was arrested on July 24 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Enzo Ingriselli, 61, of 74 Autran Ave., Southington, was arrested on July 24 and charged with simple trespassing.
• Donald Nelson, 51, of 335 Washington St., Bristol, was arrested on July 24 and charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a protective order.
• Jose A. Lugo, 36, of 75 Union St., Bristol, was arrested on July 25 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Matthew Pardo, 48, of 141 Summer St., Bristol, was arrested on July 26 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Carleton Plummer, 48, of 41 Summer St., Bristol, was arrested on July 26 and charged with sixth degree larceny. In a separate incident, he was charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Alissa Capaldo, 26, of 303 New Haven Ave., Waterbury, was arrested on July 26 and charged with sixth degree larceny, conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny, conspiracy to commit on revoked credit card, criminal attempt on revoked credit card, and credit card fraud.
• Alina R. Stein, 23, of 114 Daniel Rd., Hamden, was arrested on July 27 and charged with second degree breach of peace and second degree assault.
• Steven Callender, 32, of 396 Ellis St., New Britain was arrested on July 27 and charged with third degree assault and breach of peace.
• Jacob Hamm, 40, of 189 Gannet Dr, Southington, was arrested on July 27 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Nerrisa Watson-Brown, 42, of 86 Wolcott St., Bristol, was arrested on July 27 and charged with third degree burglary and sixth degree larceny.
• Elijah Guadalupe, 19, of 696 Prospect St., Plantsville, was arrested on July 28 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Joseph Maldonado, 25, of 71 Sandy Ln., Meriden, was arrested on July 29 and charged with third degree criminal mischief, throwing objects at a motor vehicle, and second degree breach of peace.
• David Verchinski, 32, of 110 Wedgewood, Southington, was arrested on July 29 and charged with second degree breach of peace and throwing objects at a motor vehicle.