Police Blotter: Marijuana Found, Mermaid Missing

The following information was provided by the Darien Police Department:

Monday, April 5

LARCENY: Police say a resident of Thomasina Lane was scammed out of $40 after handing the cash over a man he thought would help fix a leaky faucet.

Read the full story here: Handyman Scam Targets Darien Resident

Tuesday, April 6

POSESSION OF MARIJUANA: Michael Sabada, 31, of Bridgeport was traveling west on the Post Road at about 11 a.m., when he was stopped by Darien Police near the I-95 southbound for driving without a front license plate. Police found no record of registration for Sabada's Acura. They say Sabada had no insurance and was operating a suspended license. An inventory of the vehicle led to the discovery of two glass containers of about 1.3 grams of marijuana. 

Sabada was placed under arrest. He posted $200 bond and has a court date of April 16 where he faces charges of possession of marijuana, operating a suspended license, misuse of plates, unregistered motor vehicle and no insurance.

Thursday, April 8

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA: A Norwalk man initially stopped by police for driving with faulty brake lights faces far more serious charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Officer Nick Aranzullo stopped the 2001 Volkswagen GTI near the intersection of Tokeneke Road and Cliff Ave. just before 11 p.m. The driver, 41-year-old William Roden of Norwalk, seemed very nervous, and Aranzullo explained that Zulu, the Darien Police K-9, would be conducting a "free air sniff."

Asked if he had any illegal contraband in his car, Roden said, "I might have to check. There might be a pipe."

Roden was right.

Zulu indicated on the driver's side floor mat and on a bag in the back of the car, where Aranzullo discovered a pipe and 3.3 grams of marijuana.

Roden was released on promise to appear and has a court date of April 22.

Saturday, April 10

LARCENY: At 4 p.m., a Darien woman filed a report of two stolen Adirondack chairs. The chairs, valued at about $300, were last seen in front of her home, early evening on Friday.

*Lead Story LARCENY: A 4' tall, 50 to 60 pound mermaid statue has been misplaced from its home, police say. The rust-colored metal statue, valued at about $350, was a for-sale showpiece at BB Abode on Ledge Road. The complainant last saw the mermaid in front of the antique shop at 6:30 p.m. on April 9 and noticed the statue missing at 10 a.m. the following day.