Police Blotter: Sept. 20—27

There are ninety-one purple ribbons on display throughout Darien; each represents a call for help to the Domestic Violence Liaison of the Darien Police Department during the 2008—2009 fiscal year.

The purple ribbon campaign, which began nearly 20 years ago in only a few communities, is now a nationally recognized demonstration that takes place every October. The campaign is an effort of the Community Fund of Darien’s Domestic Violence Task Force; it’s a visible gesture of support for victims and advocates.

“We’re trying to inspire other people to call people who may—for one reason or another—be afraid,” said Kiki Karpen, Executive Director of the Community Fund of Darien.

If you or someone you know is in danger call 911 now. Officers Alison Hirsch and Elizabeth Dilorio can be reached at 203-662-5300 ext. 5327 or DVLiaison@darienct.gov.

For support, shelter or counseling call the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Southwestern Connecticut hotline at 1-888-774-2900. All calls are free and confidential.

Police Log for Sept. 20-Sept. 27:

Sunday, Sept. 20

• Police received a report of an attempted burglary at about 5 p.m. A female resident on Leeuwarden Road was home alone when she heard the doorbell ring several times; no one answered the door. Several minutes later she heard the screen doors slam shut. She called her mom, who in turn called the police. When police arrived on the scene they found the screen doors tampered with. No entry was gained.

Monday, Sept. 21

• The Domestic Violence Liaison received a report from a victim on Camp Avenue at about 8:15 p.m. The homeowner and his mother-in law were engaged in a verbal argument, which soon turned physical. The alleged victim reported she was being “pushed around” by her son-in-law and could not escape. The homeowner was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. He was issued a summons with a promise to appear in court the following morning. Police said the homeowner left his residence and spent the night with a family member that night.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

• Parents called the Domestic Violence Liaison when their 16-year-old son got physical during a verbal argument over computer and cell phone usage. The boy’s father said his son attempted to strike him when he tried to take away the cell phone, and then kicked him twice in the stomach. The boy was charged with disorderly conduct and promised to appear in court the next day. Police say the boy’s grandmother took him in for the night.

Thursday, Sept. 24

• A Darien High School student fell victim to larceny. The student left his backpack on a bench in the boys’ locker room during his 1:30 p.m gym class; when he returned one hour later, he noticed his iPod Video and $45 from his wallet was missing.

Saturday, Sept. 26

• At 10:52 a.m., police received reports of vandalism to two 6-by-4 foot glass windowpanes at an establishment located at 664 Post Road. The damage, BB gun holes, took place during the overnight hours of Friday to Saturday, and the damage estimate is unknown.

Sunday, Sept. 27

• In a second report of larceny from DHS, a high school student reported that his cell phone was stolen from the boys’ locker room sometime on Sept. 24. The student said his provider informed him that several calls to South America had been made on his Motorola Z26C.

• Police received reports of vandalism to McGuane Field at around 6 p.m. The playground equipment and rubber floor that surrounds the playground had been tagged with graffiti, and several Keystone Light beer cans and spray-paint cans were found in the vicinity.

• At 2:20 a.m., Alex Huillca, 29, of Stamford was charged with DUI, failure to drive right, driving without a license and police interference. Police said Huillca was stopped at Holmes Parking Lot, and quickly left the lot, heading south on Hoyt Street, when he apparently noticed an officer who was policing the area. Huillca crossed the double yellow line and was pulled over, officers said. Police said Huillca failed his sobriety test and resisted the officer when handcuffed. He posted $1,000 bond and has a scheduled court date of Oct. 7.

• Richard Helmig of New Canaan was charged with a DWI and failure to obey state traffic controls. At 12:30 a.m., police received a call from a female motorist that the driver of a car she was following appeared to be impaired. The 1992 Acura Legend was weaving and swerving across Mansfield Avenue, she said. When officers arrived, Helmig, now on the Post Road, allegedly made a quick right turn onto Old King’s Highway—from the left lane. Helmig was stopped and failed his sobriety test, police said. He was arrested and released on $50 bond and has a scheduled court date of Oct. 7.