April 2010
Wrong-Way DUI Driver Arrested
On April 4, 2010, at approximately 0130 hours, a Ledyard Patrol Officer doing traffic enforcement observed a vehicle entering the Route 2 flyover traveling eastbound up the westbound on ramp in the area of MGM drive. As the vehicle encountered traffic traveling in the opposite direction, the Ooficer was able to use his patrol vehicle to bring the accused vehicle to a stop prior to any accident occurring. The vehicle operator, James M. Pratt (date of birth August 30, 1964) of 28 Old Hopkington Road Westerly, Rhode Island, was determined to be operating while under the influence of alcohol. In addition, he was also charged with operating with a suspended license,Improper entry to a limited access highway, and operating with no insurance. He was processed and will appear at GA 10 New London.
Evading Accident Update
As a result of the Ledyard Police Department investigation into an evading head on motor vehicle accident occurring on Route 12 March 29, 2010, the following arrest has been made. Lawrence E. Dorr (date of birth May 14, 1974) of 35 Ayers Road in Canterbury was arrested and charged with evading responsibility and failure to drive right. He was released with a court date of April 14, 2010, at GA 10 New London.
Fire Investigation
On April 8, 2010, the Ledyard Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls indicating that flames were visible in an area of Route 12 in Gales Ferry. Arriving Police and Fire units located the source of the flames behind Number 1649 Route 12, which was a storage building and camper fully engulfed in flames. The Gales Ferry Fire Company, Ledyard Fire Co Number 1, and Submarine Base Fire Department, along with Groton Ambulance responded to the scene. The Poquotonock and Center Groton Fire Companies provided coverage during this incident. Items found stored within the building required a response by the DEP Haz Materials team.
The cause and origin of this fire is currently being investigated by the Office of the Ledyard Fire Marshal and the Ledyard Police Department Detective Division.
DUI/Risk of Injury Arrest
On April 21, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department received the report of an intoxicated male yelling loudly at 2 juveniles inside his vehicle, which was located outside of a business establishment on Gallup Hill Road in Ledyard. The male drove off prior to the arrival of police, but was located a short distance away. Investigation by Police found that the vehicle's operator was driving while under the influence of alcohol. Jacob P. Bastian (date of birth September 18, 1979) of 11 Gregory Street Apartment D in Norwich was arrested and charged with operating while under the influence of alcohol, risk of injury to a minor, breach of peace, and misuse of plates. He was released on bond with a court date of May 5, 2010, at GA 10 New London.
Burglary Arrests
On January 12, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department received the report of a residential burglary having occurred on Browns Crossing in Gales Ferry, in which a safe and numerous pieces of jewelry were taken. Investigation by the Patrol and Detective Divisions of the Ledyard Police Department, working closely with the Waterford and East Lyme Police Departments, led to suspects being developed and arrest warrants applied for.
On April 22, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department arrested Jeffrey T. Dorantes (date of birth October 19, 1963) of 46 Allyn Street Apartment 3 in Groton on an arrest warrant and charged him with larceny 1st degree and conspiracy to commit burglary 3rd degree. Dorentes was arraigned at Superior Court in New London.
On April 28, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department arrested Jeffrey R. Viola (date of birth August 27, 1980) of 12 Pilgram Road in Waterford, Connecticut, on an arrest warrant and charged him with larceny 1st degree and burglary 3rd degree. Viola was arrested at the New London Superior Court and presented for arraignment.
Copper Wire Theft From Utility Poles
On April 29, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department received multiple calls regarding suspicious activity near utility poles by 2 individuals in a white pick up truck. Officers on patrol located the vehicle, along with its 2 occupants, on Lambtown Road in Ledyard. Investigation by officers found the 2 men to be in possession of a large amount of copper wire. Further investigation found that multiple utility poles on several Ledyard streets had the copper ground wire cut and removed, As a result the following arrests were made.
On April 4, 2010, at approximately 0130 hours, a Ledyard Patrol Officer doing traffic enforcement observed a vehicle entering the Route 2 flyover traveling eastbound up the westbound on ramp in the area of MGM drive. As the vehicle encountered traffic traveling in the opposite direction, the Ooficer was able to use his patrol vehicle to bring the accused vehicle to a stop prior to any accident occurring. The vehicle operator, James M. Pratt (date of birth August 30, 1964) of 28 Old Hopkington Road Westerly, Rhode Island, was determined to be operating while under the influence of alcohol. In addition, he was also charged with operating with a suspended license,Improper entry to a limited access highway, and operating with no insurance. He was processed and will appear at GA 10 New London.
Evading Accident Update
As a result of the Ledyard Police Department investigation into an evading head on motor vehicle accident occurring on Route 12 March 29, 2010, the following arrest has been made. Lawrence E. Dorr (date of birth May 14, 1974) of 35 Ayers Road in Canterbury was arrested and charged with evading responsibility and failure to drive right. He was released with a court date of April 14, 2010, at GA 10 New London.
Fire Investigation
On April 8, 2010, the Ledyard Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls indicating that flames were visible in an area of Route 12 in Gales Ferry. Arriving Police and Fire units located the source of the flames behind Number 1649 Route 12, which was a storage building and camper fully engulfed in flames. The Gales Ferry Fire Company, Ledyard Fire Co Number 1, and Submarine Base Fire Department, along with Groton Ambulance responded to the scene. The Poquotonock and Center Groton Fire Companies provided coverage during this incident. Items found stored within the building required a response by the DEP Haz Materials team.
The cause and origin of this fire is currently being investigated by the Office of the Ledyard Fire Marshal and the Ledyard Police Department Detective Division.
DUI/Risk of Injury Arrest
On April 21, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department received the report of an intoxicated male yelling loudly at 2 juveniles inside his vehicle, which was located outside of a business establishment on Gallup Hill Road in Ledyard. The male drove off prior to the arrival of police, but was located a short distance away. Investigation by Police found that the vehicle's operator was driving while under the influence of alcohol. Jacob P. Bastian (date of birth September 18, 1979) of 11 Gregory Street Apartment D in Norwich was arrested and charged with operating while under the influence of alcohol, risk of injury to a minor, breach of peace, and misuse of plates. He was released on bond with a court date of May 5, 2010, at GA 10 New London.
Burglary Arrests
On January 12, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department received the report of a residential burglary having occurred on Browns Crossing in Gales Ferry, in which a safe and numerous pieces of jewelry were taken. Investigation by the Patrol and Detective Divisions of the Ledyard Police Department, working closely with the Waterford and East Lyme Police Departments, led to suspects being developed and arrest warrants applied for.
On April 22, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department arrested Jeffrey T. Dorantes (date of birth October 19, 1963) of 46 Allyn Street Apartment 3 in Groton on an arrest warrant and charged him with larceny 1st degree and conspiracy to commit burglary 3rd degree. Dorentes was arraigned at Superior Court in New London.
On April 28, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department arrested Jeffrey R. Viola (date of birth August 27, 1980) of 12 Pilgram Road in Waterford, Connecticut, on an arrest warrant and charged him with larceny 1st degree and burglary 3rd degree. Viola was arrested at the New London Superior Court and presented for arraignment.
Copper Wire Theft From Utility Poles
On April 29, 2010, the Ledyard Police Department received multiple calls regarding suspicious activity near utility poles by 2 individuals in a white pick up truck. Officers on patrol located the vehicle, along with its 2 occupants, on Lambtown Road in Ledyard. Investigation by officers found the 2 men to be in possession of a large amount of copper wire. Further investigation found that multiple utility poles on several Ledyard streets had the copper ground wire cut and removed, As a result the following arrests were made.
- Michael C. Cote
Date of Birth: February 22, 1981
1 Lisa Avenue
Jewett City, Connecticut
- Joel R. Kist Jr.
Date of Birth: January 28, 1985
1 Lisa Avenue
Jewett City, Connecticut