October

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident
On Thursday October 2, 2008, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Ledyard Police Department, Ledyard Fire Department Co Number 1, and the Ledyard Volunteer Emergency Squad responded to the area of Number 74 Iron Street (Route 214) for a motor vehicle roll over accident. As a result of this accident, the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Route 214 remained closed for several hours for investigation and the replacement of the utility pole. Investigation of this accident continues.

Cemetery Vandalism
On October 9, 2008, the volunteer caretakers of the cemetery located at the intersection of Whalehead and Terry Road in the Gales Ferry section of Ledyard, reported a vandalism to the Ledyard Police Department. Investigation revealed that at some point between Monday October 6, 2008, and Thursday October 9, 2008, some unknown person(s) entered the cemetery and overturned 5 headstones. The overturning of the stones caused damage which has been estimated at approximately $3,000. The cemetery is home to grave sights dating back to the 1820s. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Officer Daniel Gagnon at 860-464-6400.

Disturbance with handgun
On October 13, 2008, at approximately 4:40 p.m., the Ledyard Police Department received the report of a disturbance involving a handgun which had just occurred in the parking lot of the Pumpkin Hill Market. The Ledyard Police Department immediately notified surrounding departments of the incident, and the description of the persons and vehicles involved. Within minutes, the Groton Town Police Department and Stonington Police Department located and detained the 2 vehicles involved. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of a loaded handgun, a baseball bat, and the arrest of 2 persons.

Reckless Shooting
On Saturday October 18, 2008, at approximately 2345 hours, the Ledyard Police Department received the report of gun shots being heard in the area of Christy Hill Road near Ledgewood Drive in the Gales Ferry section of Ledyard. Ledyard Police Patrol Officers responded and saturated the area. No evidence of a shooting was located at that time. It was later learned that a high capacity communications device owned by AT&T, and located at that intersection, had received significant damage due to a bullet strike. The device, which houses approximately 14,000 wires, was a complete loss and caused significant risk to communications in the area. Detectives from the Ledyard Police Department have recovered several items of evidence at the scene which will be submitted to the State Forensics Laboratory for examination and investigation will be continuing by the Ledyard Police Detective Division. Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, or events leading up to it, or who have any information are urged to contact Detective Chris Cadro or Lieutenant Mike Finkelstein at 860-464-6400.

Evading Accident
On October 21, 2008, at approximately 0323 hours, the Ledyard Police Department received the report of a motor vehicle accident on Route 117 just north of Village Drive. On the arrival of Patrol Officers a 1999 Mercedes C230 which had struck a tree was located with heavy damage, but with no operator. The Ledyard Police Department searched the area and the Connecticut State Police sent a K9 unit from its Danielson barracks to assist with the search. Both efforts were unable to locate the vehicle operator. Based upon witness reports, a male and female were observed fleeing the scene after the crash. The Ledyard Police Department is continuing its effort to identify both parties involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact either Officer Jason Pudvah or Sergeant Kenneth Creutz at 860-464-6400.