Date: Fri 16-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

police-Trudeau-shooting

Full Text:

Police Wait For Lab Results In Trudeau Shooting Investigation

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Newtown's police department continues to follow possible leads in the recent

nighttime drive-by shooting of local businessman William Trudeau, Jr,

according to a police spokesman.

"We're still investigating. We've talked to many people. We're receiving

information from time to time," Detective Robert Tvardzik said Wednesday.

"We're waiting for important forensic information from the state police

[crime] lab," the detective said.

Following the January 2 incident, town and state police combed 49 Main Street,

where Trudeau Service Center is located, recovering a number of large-caliber

bullets and bullet fragments.

Town police have asked state police to expedite the scientific analysis of the

bullets and bullet fragments, Det Tvardzik said.

"We've done a lot of work" on the case, he said.

It was dark, about 5:40 pm, when Mr Trudeau, 34, was in the parking lot of his

automotive repair and tire sales business. Several large-caliber bullets were

fired toward the business from an automobile traveling northbound on South

Main Street. One of the bullets struck Mr Trudeau in the lower left leg. He

was transported to Danbury Hospital where he was treated, admitted and later

discharged.

Police believe the shooting stems from one of Mr Trudeau's business

relationships.

Police were investigating at the crime scene for about 12 hours. They have

declined to provide many specifics about the incident, saying they don't want

to compromise their investigation.

As police have pursued the investigation, the number of possible assailants

has grown.

Mr Trudeau has been enmeshed in financial problems during the past several

years, including the dissolution of Trudeau Service Center, Inc, by US

Bankruptcy Court and the filing of a personal bankruptcy action. He also has

been the subject of investigations by several state agencies concerning his

business practices. The agencies include the state Department of Revenue

Services, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Consumer

Protection, Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Labor.

Police Chief James E. Lysaght, Jr, has promised that the investigation of the

shooting will be aggressive and thorough.

Police ask that anyone with information about the shooting incident contact

them at the police station; telephone 426-5841.