Five Danbury Officers Hurt in Brawl

Press Release   March 16,2012

Five people were charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer after a brawl Tuesday on Fairfield Avenue that sent five police officers to the hospital.

Police said Officer Ken Utter, who works with the Unified Neighborhood Inspection Team, was ticketing a commercial truck for parking on a residential street when five men sitting on a nearby porch started to argue with him.

Utter called for backup, and he explained to the men the truck owner had been warned several times not to park the commercial vehicle overnight on a residential street. Police said the men had been drinking, and they surrounded Utter.

Police said one officer who arrived to help Utter was shoved, and that man was then charged. More people joined the crowd, including women and children. The police attempted to calm the situation and move people into their apartments.

Police said Officer Fernandez went into an apartment to calm people down, and he was assaulted. He tried to arrest the man, but others joined in the fight. Police said someone locked the apartment door with Fernandez inside. Officer Utter kicked open the door to get to Fernandez.

The fight escalated and more officers arrived. All of the males were now physically fighting with the officers as additional units responded.

Five men were charged. Five police officers including detectives were injured.

 Police said they charged Erik Valverde, 39, of 19 Farifield Ave. with disorderly conduct, interfering with a police officer. He was held on a $50,000 bond.

Police charged Adrian Valverde, 21, of 19 Fairfield Ave, charged with disorderly conduct and interferring with a police officer. He was held on a $25,000 bond. Police charged Cristian Valverde, 26, of 19 Fairfield Ave. with disorderly conduct, interfering with an officer. He was held on a $5,000 bond and an ICE detainer. Police charged Walter Valverde, 35, of 135 West Crystal St  Corona,NY with disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer. He was held on a $5,000 bond. Diego Vasquez, 23, of 4905 101 St.,  Corona NY, was charged with disorderly conduct, interfering with a police officer and he was held on a $25,000 bond.