Blood Trail, Shoe Impressions in Snow Lead to Sexual Assault Suspect in Fairfield: UPDATED

FAIRFIELD, CT — A track of shoe impressions in the snow along with a trail of blood led to the arrest of the suspect in connection to a sexual assault and knifepoint robbery that occurred Saturday night in Fairfield.

Fairfield Police responded to the area of 600 Reef Road at about 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 17 on the report of a victim who said she had just been sexually assaulted and robbed at knifepoint by a light-skinned black male, according to police.

The victim told police that she was walking on Reef Road from the train station when she heard heavy footsteps approaching from behind, right before she was attacked. A witness was located nearby who reported hearing a female scream and observed a male subject running from the area, according to police.

The witness pointed officers in the direction that he saw the suspect flee.

Additional Fairfield officers, along with K-9 teams from the Westport Police Department and state police responded to the area.

A perimeter was established and an extensive search was conducted.

Police said the swift response and fast actions of responding officers led to the discovery of fresh footprints in the snow nearby and a trail of fresh blood droppings, presumed to be from the suspect as he was injured during the attack. Officers were quick to follow this trail and later located the suspect, identified as Michael Fontaine, 48, hiding in bushes on Old Post Road near Beach Road.

The suspect was detained and identified by the victim. He was also found to be in possession of the victim's belongings, according to police.

Fontaine was arrested on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree robbery, third-degree assault and second-degree larceny. He was held on a $500,000 bond and was transported to Bridgeport court Monday morning for arraignment.

Fontaine has an extensive criminal history, which includes convictions for robbery, sexual assault, carjacking, rape, narcotics sale, and burglary in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, according to police.

Additionally, police discovered that Fontaine was recently released from a correctional facility and is a registered sex offender.

Chief Gary MacNamara attributed the quick arrest to the "perseverance and determination” of the responding officers. The Fairfield Police Department was notified of the incident at 10:19 p.m. and Fontaine was located and in custody at approximately 11:14 p.m.

“The Fairfield Police Department's thoughts are with the victim, her family and the community at large,” police said in a press release. “Fairfield Police Detectives are continuing their investigation and working to obtain additional background information on Fontaine.

“Fairfield Police Detectives are additionally investigating whether Fontaine is connected to additional incidents or any unreported incidents in the greater Fairfield area. Anyone with related information is asked to contact the Fairfield Police Department Detective Bureau at (203) 254-4840. Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information by texting CRIMES (274637) with the keyword “FPD” or may go to www.fpdct.com/tips.”

Pictured: Michael Fontaine, 48 / via the Fairfield Police Department

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