Domestic Incident Plays Out In Lobby Of Darien Police Department

DARIEN, CT — A 38-year-old Norwalk man was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge Saturday afternoon in the lobby of the Darien Police Department after he got into an physical altercation with the other parent of the 12-year-old child they share, according to police. The two adults had to be separated by police personnel in the building.

The incident began in Wilton where the victim and the child reside and were getting ready to leave Saturday afternoon.

"The suspect, later identified as Steve Campbell, arrived at the home to pick up the child as there had been some disagreement on visitation that day," wrote Darien police in a statement. "The victim stated Campbell parked in a way so as to block the victim’s vehicle from leaving, however the victim was able to get around Campbell’s vehicle and exit the driveway.

"During the maneuver, the victim’s vehicle struck the side of Campbell’s. The victim reported that Campbell began to follow them as they drove, as a result of which the Victim drove to the Darien Police Department to seek assistance. The victim pulled into the lot on the East side of the Darien Police Department, at which time Campbell again tried to block them in. The victim was again able to get by Campbell, and parked directly in front of the Police Department. The victim and their child exited the vehicle quickly and entered the front lobby."

Campbell soon followed the two into the building and allegedly tried to take the child away when the altercation ensued and officers responded to the lobby to break it up.

"When questioned, Campbell informed officers that he had been upset over a custody disagreement," wrote Darien police. "He stated he was supposed to have custody of the child that weekend, but was told the child had plans that were going to preclude him from seeing them. Due to the fact that he wasn’t consulted on the plans and it was his assigned weekend, Campbell went to the residence of the Victim. Campbell stated he wasn’t trying to block the victim, but the driveway is narrow. He recounted how he told the victim to give him the child and how they departed in their vehicle, striking his in the process. He then followed the victim to the Darien Police Department, where a struggle ensued. Campbell admitted to using his arm to push the victim away."

In addition to disorderly conduct, Campbell, of Sunlit Drive in Norwalk, was additionally charged with reckless driving.

Wilton police were contacted because the incident allegedly began in that jurisdiction, and he was turned over to police custody in that town and could face additional charges. He was scheduled to appear in court on June 4.

Image via Shutterstock

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