Collision In Parking Lot

Newtown Police report Aner Bajraktarevic, 27, of Waterbury, operating a 2016 Buick Regal, was parked in a parking space in a lot on Covered Bridge Road facing northbound at 5:12 pm August 18. Christopher Enea, 58, of Brookfield, operating a 2019 Ram 1500, was traveling westbound through the same lot. Bajraktarevic began to back from the space and backed into Enea’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Enea towed his own vehicle due to disabling damage.

No enforcement action was taken since the incident occurred on private property.

Hit Wood Chipper

Newtown Police report Claudine Collet, 51, of New Milford, operating a 2010 Toyota Prius, was traveling eastbound on Mt Pleasant Road at 4:34 pm August 21. She was traveling behind a non-contact vehicle operated by Illescas Robles, 43, of Brookfield, that was towing a 2021 Morbark wood chipper, that was stopped at the traffic light at the intersection with Hawleyville Road. Collet struck the wood chipper.

No injuries were reported. Collet’s vehicle was towed, and the wood chipper continued to be towed.

Collet was issued a verbal warning for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart.

Medical Emergency Causes Collision

Newtown Police report Deborah Newsome, 65, of Danbury, operating a 2020 Acura TLX, was traveling westbound on Berkshire Road at 9:16 am August 22. Newsome suffered an unknown medical emergency and her vehicle left the road, striking several trees before coming to a rest on the Interstate 84 Exit 11 ramp.

Newsome was transported to Danbury Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The vehicle was towed.

No enforcement action is mentioned in the report.

Failure To Heed Stop Sign

Newtown Police report Emilia Capellini, 16, of Southbury, operating a 2023 Mazda CX-5, was traveling westbound on Sugarloaf Road at 6:56 am August 23. Roberta Avila, 66, of Sandy Hook, operating a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, was traveling northbound on Toddy Hill Road. Capellini attempted to make a right turn onto Toddy Hill Road and struck Avila’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

Capellini was issued a verbal warning for failure to obey a stop sign.

Both Vehicles Towed

Newtown Police report Nugra Arias, 24, of Danbury, operating a 2022 International Cv515, was traveling southbound on Hawleyville Road in the area of Covered Bridge Road at 12:09 pm August 23. He was traveling behind a 2023 Ford F-150 operated by Thomas Raymond, 30, of Pine Bush, N.Y., who in turn was behind a 2020 Subaru SW operated by Denice Morton, 66, of Gilbertsville, Pa. Both Raymond and Morton slowed for traffic ahead, but Arias did not stop in time, colliding with the rear of Raymond’s vehicle, which was pushed forward into Morton’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. None of the vehicles were towed.

Arias was issued an infraction for failure to drive a reasonable distance apart.

Unlicensed Driver Causes Collision

Newtown Police report Luis Romero-Patino, 50, of Danbury, operating a 2013 Hyundai Accent, was traveling on Taunton Lane at 7:14 pm August 23. Lucas Vivenzio, 18, of Newtown, operating a 2020 Subaru Legacy, was traveling on Mt Pleasant Road, attempting to turn left onto Taunton Road. Romero-Patino turned onto Mt Pleasant Road and struck Vivenzio’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

Romero-Patino was issued an infraction for failure to obey a stop sign and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

Found Wedding Band

Newtown Police report that on August 26, a women’s wedding band was found at the Newtown Transfer Station. The ring was found by a transfer station employee and was on the ground near the recyclables collection container. The ring has distinct engravings inside and can be identified by its owner.

Contact Officer Monckton at the Newtown Police Department to claim the item or with any owner information.

Unsafe Backing

Newtown police report a 2010 Toyota RAV4 being operated by Stephen Zvon, 72, of Sandy Hook, which had been traveling west on Mile Hill Road around 9:11 am August 26, stopped in traffic on an incline at the clearly posted intersection with South Main Street.

A 2019 Blue Bird Type C school bus being operated by Robert Saleski, 78, of Newtown, was stopped in traffic directly behind the Subaru.

The Subaru rolled backward and the rear end of that vehicle made contact with the front end of the bus.

Zvon was cited for unsafe backing.

Toyota Rear-Ends Toyota

Newtown Police report Natalie Accardi, 30, of Stratford, operating a 2021 Toyota Corolla, was traveling northbound on Swamp Road at 8:12 pm August 26. She was traveling behind a 2018 Toyota Highlander operated by Shaun Wilson, 46, of Trumbull. Wilson came to a stop for a stop sign and Accardi rear-ended Wilson’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

Accardi was issued a written warning for traveling an unreasonable distance apart.

Collision In Intersection

Newtown Police report Adam Uhde, 20, of Sandy Hook, operating a 2005 Pontiac Vibe, was traveling northbound on High Rock Road at 6:55 am August 28. James Holt, 41, of Redding, operating a 2023 Ford F350, was traveling eastbound on Berkshire Road. Uhde came to a stop at the stop sign and attempted a left hand turn onto Berkshire Road. Holt’s vehicle collided with Udhe’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Uhde’s vehicle was towed.

Uhde was issued an infraction for failure to obey a stop sign.

Parking Lot Fender Bender

Newtown Police report Kathleen Weller, 80, of Newtown, operating a 2021 Hyundai Sonata, was pulling into a parking space in the parking lot at 5 Queen Street at 11:13 am August 28. While parking, Weller’s vehicle struck a 2016 Honda CR-V operated by Noel Santella, 83, of Newtown.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

No enforcement action was taken since the incident occurred on private property.

Driver Stops For Pedestrian, Is Rear-Ended

Newtown Police report Alexandre Paulichi, 50, of Danbury, operating a 2019 Ram 1500, was traveling westbound on Church Hill Road at 5:55 pm August 28. Timothy Haas, 62, of Middlebury, operating a 2022 Hyundai Tucson, was also traveling westbound on Church Hill Road, ahead of Paulichi. Haas stopped to let a pedestrian cross in a crosswalk, and Paulichi rear-ended Haas’ vehicle.

Haas was evaluated for a possible injury but declined transport. Neither vehicle was towed.

Paulichi was issued an infraction for following too close.

Following Too Close

Newtown Police report Bash Assante-La, 17, of Newtown, was traveling eastbound on Church Hill Road at 7:49 pm August 28. He was traveling behind a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek operated by Amanda Lee, 28, of Trumbull, who was in turn traveling behind a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe operated by Jessica Bydlak, 47, of Redding, who stopped for a traffic control light at the intersection with Queen Street. Lee stopped behind Bydlak, but Assante-La could not stop in time, and rear-ended Lee’s vehicle, which was pushed forward into Bydlak’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Assante-La’s and Lee’s vehicles were towed.

Assante-La was issued an infraction ticket for following too close.

Failure To Drive Right Charge

Newtown Police report Kyla Stetson, 39, of Newtown, operating a 2020 Ford Explorer, was traveling northbound on Hawleyville Road at 8:58 pm August 28. Aidan Moores, 30, of Brookfield, operating a 2017 Volvo S60, was traveling eastbound on Old Hawleyville Road. Moores stopped in the intersection of Hawleyville Road, and Stetson turned left, striking Moores’ vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

Stetson was issued a verbal warning for failure to drive right.

Traffic Stop Leads To DUI Arrest

Newtown Police report that at 4:29 pm August 30, officers were dispatched to a complaint of a vehicle being operated in an erratic manner on Underhill Road. Officers were also advised that the operator of the vehicle had allegedly offered to sell narcotics to a person in that area. Upon arrival, the officers located the vehicle and performed a motor vehicle stop.

An on scene investigation was conducted and the operator, Kris Green, 46, of Southbury, was arrested and charged with operating while under suspension, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (third offense), reckless driving, driving without minimum insurance, and first-degree violation of conditions of release.

Green was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond with a court date of September 9 in Danbury Superior Court. Green was released from custody. Their next activity is scheduled for October 7, when the court expects to hear a plea, according to the online database.

DUI, Evading Responsibility

A Newtown resident was arrested on two charges after Newtown police responded to Settlers Lane, east of its intersection with Toddy Hill Road, around 8:27 pm August 30 following a one-vehicle crash.

Newtown police determined Ivan A. Reyes, 45, of Sandy Hook, struck a vehicle and then drove home while intoxicated.

Reyes was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle (second offense), DUI and evading responsibility.

He was given a court date of September 9 at Danbury Superior Court and released on a $5,000 non-surety bond. His next court date is October 10; the court is awaiting a plea, according to the online database.

Drive-By Egging

Newtown Police report that the department received a call about two vehicles being egged on a property on Sugar Street at 7:55 am August 31. After a brief investigation, officers determined that Kent Bonsignore, 60, of Newtown, had egged the two cars will driving his 2010 Ford Edge past the address. Bonsignore was contacted and turned himself in to police.

Bonsignore was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal mischief. He was released on a promise to appear with a court date of September 9 at Danbury Superior Court.

Collision While Out For Ice Cream

Newtown Police report Rachael Ruddy, 45, of Newtown, operating a 2022 Infiniti Qx60, was backing out of a parking space at Holy Cow Ice Cream Shop, 51 Church Hill Road, at 7:40 pm August 31. Brittany Conte, 33, of Beacon Falls, was backing into an adjacent space. The two vehicles collided.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

No enforcement action was taken since the incident occurred on private property.

Unsafe Passing

Newtown Police report Kristin Christensen, 44, of Sandy Hook, operating a 2019 Honda Pilot, was traveling northbound on Queen Street at 12:33 pm September 1. At the time of the incident, the Newtown Labor Day parade was ongoing and multiple vehicles were parking on the northbound shoulder of Queen Street. A 2020 Honda Pilot owned by Emily Slattery of Oxford was among the vehicles. Christensen moved to the right to avoid oncoming traffic and struck Slattery’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

Christensen was issued a verbal warning for unsafe passing.

Failed To Obey Stop Sign

Newtown police report a two-vehicle crash on South Main Street at its north intersection of Elm Drive around 5:10 pm September 1.

A 2007 Honda CR-V EX being operated by Michael A. Giudice, 64, of Trumbull, was traveling south on South Main Street in the southbound travel lane when it was struck by a 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i being operated by Katherine O. Laffoon, 32, of Naugatuck.

Giudice told police that as he approached the northern intersection of Elm Drive, the Subaru pulled off Elm Drive and onto South Main Street in front of the Honda. Laffoon, who had been traveling northeast in the eastbound travel lane of Elm Drive, told police she stopped at the posted stop sign and waited before turning left onto South Main Street.

The front end of the Honda struck the left rear quarter panel and left rear door of the Subaru. The vehicle sustained heavy and disabling front end damage.

The Subaru sustained heavy and disabling damage to its left rear quarter panel and left rear door.

Airbags in both vehicles deployed. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. Giudice received a laceration to his left wrist, but declined medical attention. Laffoon had no apparent injuries.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Envy Towing and Recovery due to disabling damage.

An investigation determined Laffoon was at fault for the collision. She was issued an infraction for failing to obey a stop sign.

Collision In Intersection

Newtown Police report Jack Wellman, 26, of Newtown, operating a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, was stopped on Glover Avenue at the intersection with Queen Street at 2:24 pm September 2. Taylor McPadden, 23, of Newark, Del., was traveling southbound on Queen Street. Wellman entered the intersection intending to travel northbound on Queen Street, and struck McPadden’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

Wellman was issued an infraction for failure to grant right of way at a stop sign.

Hit Car While Parking

Newtown Police report Kristen Keil, 46, of Newtown, operating a 2011 Ford Fusion, was taking a left turn out of a parked line of cars in the lot of 12 Berkshire Road at 5:28 pm September 2. Gabrielle O’Sullivan, 16, of Sandy Hook, operating a 2021 Honda Pilot, was driving by on the left. Keil struck O’Sullivan’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Neither vehicle was towed.

No enforcement action was taken since the incident occurred on private property.

One Injured In Collision

Newtown Police report James Lawlor, 16, of Sandy Hook, operating a 2016 Subaru Outback, was turning northbound onto Main Street from West Street at 8:49 pm September 2. Margaret Skerik, 51, of Newtown, operating a 2015 Volvo XC60, was traveling northbound on Main Street. Lawlor struck Skerik’s vehicle.

Skerik and a passenger were evaluated on scene by EMS but declined transport to Danbury Hospital. Neither vehicle was towed.

Lawlor was issued an infraction for failure to obey a stop sign and failure to heed restrictions on transportation of passengers.

Gave False Name To Officers

Newtown Police report that officers performed a traffic stop on Berkshire Road after observing a vehicle with wrong license plates attached at 11:34 pm September 2. Police spoke with the operator, who provided a false name. Police were able to determine the operator’s real identity as Tameika Covington, 50, of New Haven.

Covington was arrested and charged with improper use of marker plates, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, criminal impersonation, and interfering with an officer.

She was released on a $10,000 bond with a court date of September 17 in Danbury Superior Court.

Collision At Hawleyville And Old Hawleyville

Newtown Police report Thomas Condon, 70, of Brookfield, operating a 1994 Mercedes-Benz, was stopped on Old Hawleyville Road at the intersection of Hawleyville Road at 8:54 am September 3. Michelle Flores-Greene, 60, of Woodbury, operating a 2015 Honda Fit, was traveling northbound on Hawleyville Road, intending to turn left onto Old Hawleyville Road.

Condon entered the vehicle while Flores-Greene was in the intersection, striking Flores-Greene’s vehicle.

No injuries were reported. Flores-Green’s vehicle was towed.

Condon was issued a written warning for failure to grant right of way at a stop sign.

Owner Unsure Where Car Hit

Newtown Police report that a 2017 Subaru Impreza owned by Roland Stephen, 31, of Newtown, was parked unoccupied in front of Club 24, 266 South Main Street, at 1:31 pm September 4. Stephen then went to Stop & Shop, 266 South Main Street, and parked by the bottle return, leaving the vehicle unoccupied again. Stephen then returned to his vehicle and observed damage to the passenger side of the vehicle. Stephen was unsure at which location his vehicle was struck.

No cameras were located at Club 24, and Stop & Shop provided video which showed no vehicles approached or parked near Stephen’s vehicle.

Collision Leads To DUI Charge

Newtown Police report that at 4:44 pm September 4, officers responded to the area of Mt Pleasant Road and Pocono Road for a three-vehicle motor vehicle incident. It was determined that William Demenna Jr, 42, of Shelton, operating a 2019 BMW sedan, rear-ended one vehicle, causing it to strike another. Additionally, it was determined that Demenna was under the influence of an intoxicant while operating the vehicle.

Demenna was charged with traveling unreasonably fast, illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and following too close.

Demenna was held in police custody after not being able to post a $10,000 bond and was given a court appearance of September 5 in Danbury Superior Court. He was released from custody with a promise to appear. Pre-trial is scheduled for October 3, according to the online database.

One Collision Leads To Another

Newtown Police report that at 5:32 pm September 4, officers were on scene at a motor vehicle accident when another accident occurred on Mt Pleasant Road. While northbound traffic was stopped, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, traveling northbound, ignored an order to stop given by a firefighter directing traffic, and attempted to pass a Ford Explorer. While attempting to pass, the right side of the motorcycle collided with the rear driver side of the Ford. The motorcycle rider then continued to ignore orders to stop and traveled northbound through the accident scene.

Due to the collision, the operator of the motorcycle dropped a small saddle bag containing the operator’s identification and one of the operator’s sneakers. Based on the ID, the operator was identified as David Kreshpan, 32, of Sandy Hook.

Kreshpan was located and charged with operating with a suspended license, unsafe passing, and evading responsibility for a motor vehicle accident.

Kreshpan was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond with a court date of September 18 in Danbury Superior Court.