Injuries At Underage Party Result In Arrest Of New Canaan Parent

NEW CANAAN, CT — An investigation into an alleged assault of a 17-year-old at a New Canaan residence in March has led to the arrests of the homeowner and a second man for hosting an underage drinking party, according to police.

Douglas R. Knight, 59, of Oenoke Ridge Road, and an 18-year-old man turned themselves in to police custody on Thursday and face the following charges:

• Deliver of Alcoholic Liquor to a Minor; Permitting Minor to Possess Alcoholic Liquor (1st Offense)
• Interfering with an Emergency Call: Douglas

The case began on at 11:24 p.m. on March 25 when New Canaan police "received a 911 call from [the 1200 block of] Oenoke Ridge Road ('the Knight Residence') regarding a 17-year old that had fallen down a flight of stairs," at which time the injured juvenile was transported to Norwalk Hospital.

"Our Department was later notified by a Norwalk Hospital Emergency Room physician that the victim’s injuries were possibly the result of an assault," wrote police in a statement. "Subsequently, a lengthy criminal investigation began into what caused the injuries to the victim."

New Canaan police said the investigation included the following:

1. Conducting approximately 30 interviews;

2. Executing search-and-seizure warrants;

3. Executing ex-parte court orders;

4. Examining telephone records;

5. Conducting an electronic forensic examination;

6. Consulting with a State’s Attorney;

7. Applying for two arrest warrants.

"At the conclusion of the investigation, our Department did not identify any witnesses or evidence which showed that an assault occurred," but New Canaan alleges the following:

• An underage party involving alcohol took place at the Knight residence;
• An 18-year-old man purchased alcoholic beverages in Norwalk (The liquor store where the alcoholic beverages were purchased, World of Beverages, was referred to the State of Connecticut Liquor Control Commission);
• The victim sustained injuries as a result of falling down a staircase;
• The homeowner, Douglas Knight, arrived home and instructed those still at the home, helping the victim, to not call 911.

"The arrest warrants were reviewed by a State’s Attorney and Superior Court Judge, [who] found probable cause and signed both arrest warrants," stated police.

Both men each posted $5,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on May 31 and June 1.

The New Canaan case is the second instance in the area in recent days in which a parent was arrested in connection with an underage drinking party at their home.

Last weekend, a Darien couple were arrested on a charge of permitting minors to illegally possess alcohol following a loud party at their Silver Lakes Drive home.

The Darien case prompted a warning from the department for parents to avoid such activities in their homes.