Update: Two Off-Duty Darien Officers Arrested

Two Darien men and police officers were arrested after an unoccupied vehicle was found shot several times in Darien.

State Police Central District Major Crime Squad investigated the cause after receiving a report of shots fired on Aug. 1 in Darien.

An unoccupied vehicle owned by James Martin, 41, of Wakeman Road was found with several gun shots to the exterior, police said. The vehicle was parked in his driveway. Both Martin and fellow suspect Daniel Ehret, 38, of Middlesex Road turned themselves in, police said.

Each was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree breach of peace and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Darien Police consulted with the State’s Attorney and handed the criminal investigation over to State Police.

Both men are ten-year veterans of the department.

“The allegations leading to the arrests are disturbing,” said Chief Duane Lovello. “I cannot conceive of anything that would lead police officers to do something so profoundly dangerous and wholly irresponsible. This conduct is intolerable and does not reflect the professional values or the ethical, responsible, and moral conduct we demand of Darien police officers and their duty to the public we serve.”

Both officers have been on administrative leave with pay since the day of the incident. A separate internal investigation will commence.