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Crime & Safety

Police Blotter: Donations Vanishing from St. John's

Domestic Dispute, Possession and Burglary Are Also Highlighted In The Blotter.

The following information was provided by the Darien Police Department:

Tuesday, July 27

DOMESTIC DISPUTE: William Newman, 29, of Canton, Massachusetts was arrested by Darien police on charges of burglary, harassment, and driving without a license after entering the home of his estranged wife's parents on Lafarge Road.

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Read the full story here: Man Held on $200K Bond After Domestic Dispute

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA: Four 17-year-old Darien youths were arrested at an unoccupied residence at Long Neck Point Road and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal trespass in the second degree.

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At 10:45 PM, the owner of the residence—newly purchased and being readied for occupancy—Stopped by and noticed the four youths stepping out of the detached garage on the property.

The owner told them to stop as he called the police. They waited together until the arrival of the police, who discovered marijuana, bongs, glass pipes and other drug paraphernalia in the garage.

The teens were assigned youthful offender status and released to the custody of their parents. They are set to appear in court Aug. 4.

Wednesday, July 28

ONGOING LARCENY INVESTIGATION: The Darien police announced an ongoing investigation of the apparent theft of approximately $850 in memorial candle donations from St. John Roman Catholic Church.

Since May, church officials have noticed a drop in donations for lighting candles. They placed marked bills in the collection receptacle, which then disappeared. Police said the church doors have been open during the day.

Thursday, July 29

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA: Police stopped Scott Barnes, 24, of Norwalk, at the intersection of Pembroke Road and Salisbury Road after his 1999 Ford pickup was observed traveling 51 mph in a 25 mph zone.

The arresting officer detected the odor of marijuana on Barnes' breath; a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of marijuana, a smoking device, 3 marijuana grinders, and a digital scale.

Barnes was charged with speeding, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on a promise to appear in court Aug. 11.

Saturday, July 31

MOTOR VEHICLE BURGLARY: Police are investigating incidents at two residences on Heather Lane involving three vehicles that occurred in the wee hours of the night.

Around 3:50 a.m., a resident reported observing an individual near his 2006 Volvo S-40, which was parked in the driveway. The person—described as a black male, slender build, 6'1" or 6'2" in height, and possibly wearing a dark hoodie—ran off when spotted.

At a second residence on Heather Lane, the interior light was found on in a 2008 Toyota Highlander parked near a 2007 Subaru Legacy. The glove compartment of one of the vehicles had been left in disarray, though it did not appear anything was taken. The two vehicles had been left unlocked, police said.

PORTABLE CLASSROOM BREAK-IN: A neighbor called police at 1:48 a.m. to report suspicious activity at a portable classroom of Holmes Elementary School. Police found a piano and computer monitor had been knocked over, puncturing a hole in the wall. A desk and filing cabinet had also been rifled through.

DRIVING WHOLE INTOXICATED: Richard Caufman, 53, of Stamford, was arrested at a joint Darien/Stamford checkpoint at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Broad Street in Stamford and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Caufman was driving a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis when he was stopped. The police detected alcohol on his breath and noted that his eyes were bloodshot. Caufman subsequently failed field sobriety tests.

He posted a $180 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 13.

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED: Darien police arrested Alfonso Valdovinos, 42, of Stamford, for driving while intoxicated. He had three young children riding in the back seat at the time of the arrest, which occurred at the same joint checkpoint at Washington Boulevard and Broad Street in Stamford.

Valdovinos posted a $180 bond.

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