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PRESS RELEASES
Arrest Made in Bank Robbery
January 18, 2010
On Friday, January 15, 2010, approximately 2:45 p.m., officers from the Wethersfield Police Department responded to a bank alarm at Sovereign Bank, 1400 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. Responding officers learned that an unidentified male had entered the Sovereign Bank and handed a teller a note demanding cash. The perpetrator made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
On Saturday, January 16, 2010, Wethersfield Police detectives developed enough information during the subsequent investigation to positively identify the Sovereign Bank robbery suspect as Juan Perez, DOB 2-5-63, of 170 Gilman Street, Hartford, CT. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Perez on Saturday, January 16th and began looking for Perez. With the assistance of the New Britain Police Department, Perez was apprehended in New Britain on Sunday, January 17, 2010.
Officers transported Perez to the Wethersfield Police Department where he was charged with the below listed crimes and held on a court imposed bond of $200,000.00. He will be presented in New Britain court on Tuesday, 1/19/10.
Juan Perez was charged with the following:
- Robbery 3rd Degree 53a-136
- Larceny 3rd Degree 53a-124
Police Offer Reminder on Overnight Parking
December 20, 2009
The Wethersfield Police Department would like to remind people of the town's ordinance restricting overnight parking of cars on streets. According to the town ordinance, it is illegal to park on the road for any period of time longer than 30 minutes between the hours of 2 and 5 a.m. However, this prohibition does not apply to physicians on call or emergency cases of any other nature. Permission for exceptions to this all-night parking ordinance may be obtained from the Police Department (860-721-2900) in unusual cases or when unusual conditions exist. The fine for violation of this town ordinance is $25.
Body Identified
December 18, 2009
On Saturday, December 12, 2009 at approximately 2:56 p.m. the Wethersfield Police Department received a call from an individual who was reporting that he had found a body in a wooded area. On Sunday, December 13, 2009 the Medical Examiners Office in Farmington, CT conducted an autopsy on the victim. With the assistance of the Medical Examiners Officer and Connecticut State Police Forensic Lab, the individual was positively identified through his fingerprints as Gary David Baginski DOB 11/19/56 of Wethersfield, CT.
The cause of Baginski's death still remains undetermined at this point. According to family members, Baginski was last scene at the end of October 2009 when he walked away from the home. The family had not seen him nor heard from him since that day he left the home. Police are still investigating the cause and manner of death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wethersfield Police Department at (860) 721-2900.
DUI Patrols Increase for Holidays
December 11, 2009
The Wethersfield Police Department was recently awarded a grant from the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation for additional specialized patrols for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement for the upcoming holiday season to include Christmas and New Year's holidays.
These DUI patrols will typically occur during the evening and midnight hours and will continue through the end of the year on New Year's Day. Extra patrols will be added with special attention to the Silas Deane Highway (Route 99), Berlin Turnpike (Route 5/15), Prospect Street (Route 287) and Wells Road (Route 175). In addition to added DUI enforcement, officers will also be aggressively enforcing seatbelt and child car seat violations.
Members of the Wethersfield Police Department were responsible for 208 DUI arrests in 2008 and as of December 1, 2009 members of the Department have made 204 DUI arrests.
Through aggressive enforcement of motor vehicle laws, the members of the Wethersfield Police Department strive to make the roadways safer to travel on, particularly during these upcoming holiday periods.
The Wethersfield Police Department encourages people not to drink and drive.
Awards Acknowledge Assistance With Robbery Arrest
December 10, 2009
On Thursday, December 10, 2009 Police Chief James Cetran presented an award to a Rocky Hill police officer as well as an employee of D'Angelo's Sandwich Shop for their roles in helping to apprehend a dangerous armed robber.
On Monday, November 23, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. officers from the Wethersfield Police Department were dispatched to D'Angelo's, 1345 Silas Deane Highway for a report of an armed robbery that just occurred at that location. A white male reportedly pulled a handgun on an employee of the business and demanded money.
While responding to D'Angelo's, the Wethersfield officers learned that the employee victim of the robbery had chased the suspect on foot. The suspect reportedly ran to the rear of D'Angelo's to a waiting vehicle and left west on Town Line Road. Rocky Hill officers were also responding to the area to assist if needed. As the victim was chasing the suspect, he was able to signal to a Rocky Hill officer alerting him that the suspect vehicle was leaving the scene. The Rocky Hill officer pursued the fleeing vehicle. The Rocky Hill officer stopped the suspect vehicle on New Britain Avenue. With the assistance of the Rocky Hill officer, Wethersfield officers arrested both occupants of the car for the robbery.
Without the help of the D'Angelo's employee and the Rocky Hill police officer, the Wethersfield Police would have had a difficult investigation ahead of them. Their quick actions helped locate the suspect in this case. The suspect in this case has also been linked to numerous armed robberies or attempted robberies in several area communities. The Wethersfield Police would like to publicly recognize both the Rocky Hill officer and the D'Angelo's employee for their tremendous help in this case.
Dog Owners Reminded on Restraint Ordinance, Licensing Requirement
July 21, 2009
The Wethersfield Police Department would like to remind people of the town's ordinance regarding the restraint and control of dogs. According to the ordinance, dog owners must keep their dog under restraint except at town-designated dog parks. Also, dog owners cannot permit their dogs to run at large upon the streets and public ways of the town or upon property other than that of such owner or keeper. Allowing a dog to roam could result in a fine of up to $100.00.
Also, Wethersfield residents are reminded that they must license their dogs with the Town of Wethersfield. A dog license can be obtained at the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway. Failure to license a dog could result in a $70.00 fine.
Street Closings - Memorial Day Parade
May 19, 2009
Below is a list of street closings and approximate times they will be closed.
- State Street (entire length) - 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
- Nott Street (from Garden Street to State Street) - 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
- Garden Street (from Nott Street to Church Street) - 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
- Church Street (from Garden Street to Main Street) - 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Main Street (from Church Street to Garden Street) - 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Garden Street (from Main Street to Broad Street) - 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
- Broad Street (west side, from Garden Street north to Marsh Street) - 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Marsh Street (from Main Street to Broad Street) - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
In addition, the following streets will be posted with temporary "No Parking" signs:
- State Street: From Hartford Avenue to the west driveway of DMV - both sides
- Nott Street: Around monument island at Hartford Avenue and Nott Street; from Hartford Avenue to Garden Street - both sides
- Garden Street: Nott to Church Street - both sides
- Church Street: From Garden Street to Main Street - both sides
- Garden Street: From Main Street to Broad Street - both sides
- Broad Street: From Garden Street to Marsh Street - both sides
- Nott Street/State Street intersection
- Nott Street: Between State and Garden - both sides
- Main Street: From Church Street to Garden Street - both sides (Saturday morning only)
Comments Sought in Police Accreditation Process
April 9, 2009
The Wethersfield Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards.
Administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. The session will be conducted at the Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Highway.
Agency employees and the public are also invited to offer comments by calling (860) 721-2992 on Sunday May 3, 2009 between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team.
Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with CALEA's standards. A copy of the standards is available at the Wethersfield Police Department, and can be reviewed by contacting Sgt. Thomas Mitney at (860) 721-2919.
Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Wethersfield Police Department's ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA, 22030-2215.
Internal Affairs Investigations
July 31, 2008
Five Internal Affairs Investigations were conducted between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. Three officers were Exonerated of the allegations lodged against them, one officer had findings of Unfounded, and one officer had a finding of Withdrawn.
National Night Out at Mill Woods Park
July 29, 2008
The Wethersfield Police Department will be hosting a National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. The event is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mill Woods Park.
The Town of Wethersfield will join over 11,000 other communities in all fifty states in this national event. In all, over 35 million people are expected to participate in this event.
National Night Out is designed to strengthen neighborhood and community spirit, heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts.
"This is an excellent opportunity for our residents, families, community leaders and officers to get together and reinforce the common goals we share, namely to show we want safe neighborhoods and show that Wethersfield is a great place to live and work. Wethersfield's participation in National Night Out is another example of the police-community partnership that we strive to continuously strengthen." said Lt. David A. Scales, Wethersfield Police Department, Administrative Services Bureau Commander.
National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said "This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity."
There will be food, drinks, music, prizes, games, Valentine the Clown and activities for families and persons of all ages.
Along with officers from the Wethersfield Police Department, their will also be persons from the Town Parks & Recreation Department, Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office, Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance Association and town Social & Youth Services Department at the event.
All residents are encouraged to attend.
For additional information please contact Lt. David A. Scales, (860) 721-2910.
Police Announce Report Released in Officer Shooting
March 19, 2008
The State's Attorney Office has released their report concerning the shooting death of Gerard Chapdelaine in Wethersfield on November 6, 2007.
Elks Donation Benefits Child Safety Seat Program
September 18, 2007
Donna Hemmann, representing the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks Lodge, is pictured here with Ofc. Elizabeth Taylor and Sgt. Don Crabtree of the Wethersfield Police Department. The Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks donated a check for $135.00 to the Wethersfield Police Department. This money was used to pay for the required training for Ofc. Taylor so that she may properly install child safety seats in cars. The Wethersfield Police Department will be resuming their child seat installation program shortly. Chief James Cetran and all the officers of the Wethersfield Police Department appreciate the generosity of the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks Lodge.
DUI Enforcement Stepped Up
August 17, 2007
The Wethersfield Police Department was recently awarded a grant from the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation for additional patrols for DUI enforcement for the next several weeks including the Labor Day holiday period.
These DUI patrols will typically occur during the evening and midnight hours beginning August 15, 2007 and continuing through the Labor Day holiday weekend. Extra patrols will be added with special attention to the Silas Deane Highway, Berlin Turnpike, Prospect Street and Wells Road. In addition to added DUI enforcement, officers will also be aggressively enforcing seatbelt violations and child seat/belt violations.
Members of the Wethersfield Police Department were responsible for 217 DUI arrests in 2005, 271 DWI arrests in 2006 and to date have made 138 DWI arrests in 2007.
Through aggressive enforcement of motor vehicle laws, the Wethersfield Police Department strives to make the roadways safer to travel on, especially during holiday periods. Motorists are encouraged to safely dial 911 and report erratic operation or reckless driving.
The Wethersfield Police Department encourages people not to drink and drive.
Non-Emergency Phone Number Changes
December 6, 2006
As of January 1, 2007 the Wethersfield Police Department will no longer be able to accept non-emergency calls for persons using (860) 571-2900. Persons dialing this number after January 1, 2007 will receive a recording advising them that this number is no longer in service.
Persons making non-emergency calls have been and will continue to be able to contact the Wethersfield Police Department using (860) 721-2900.
The Chief of Police, James Cetran, urges all residents to make note of this change and make appropriate changes in their personal directories.
As always, persons will still be able to report emergencies dialing 911.
"Curbs For Explorers" Program
The Curbs for Explorers fundraising program is up and running. The Wethersfield Police Explorers have taken over from the Canine Unit the painting of curbs for a minimum ten dollar donation. Chief of Police James Cetran wishes to express his and the department's gratitude to the citizens who have participated so far, and to those who have made inquiries since last fall when the program was suspended.
This is an excellent program that helps all. It helps the police identify addresses, it helps the Explorers maintain their excellent program, and it helps the citizen receive timely public service to their residence.
False Alarm Ordinance Revised
On June 20, 2005, the Wethersfield Town Council adopted a new False Alarm Ordinance that includes an increase in fines for false burglar and fire alarms and will require registration of all alarm systems. The new fines will be implemented effective July 1, 2005. The first two false alarms will not be fined; the third false alarm will initiate monetary fines beginning at $50.00. Each subsequent false alarm will increase the fine by $25.00.
Information about the registration process and registration fee of $25.00 will be mailed to all currently known alarm owners. Please contact the Police Department at (860) 721-2919 or the Fire Marshal at (860) 721-2806 if you have questions.
Free Gun Safety Kits
The Wethersfield Police Department continues to distribute free firearm safety kits as part of Project ChildSafe. The goal of this nationwide initiative is to raise the awareness about safe and responsible firearm ownership and storage. The safety kits include a cable-style gun lock and safety brochure. The kits can be picked up anytime at the Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Highway and are available to anyone free of charge.
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