Newtown Police Report Multiple Crashes, Disorderly Conduct And Threatening Charges

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown Police responded to multiple motor vehicle crashes and documented three criminal cases during a recent reporting period, according to department summaries.

Queen Street Rear-End Collision

On Feb. 19 at about 1:10 p.m., officers responded to Queen Street near Church Hill Road for a two-vehicle collision. A Town of Newtown Ford F550 was stopped northbound when it backed up to allow a southbound vehicle to turn. The rear of the truck struck a Subaru that was stopped behind it, causing damage to the Subaru.

No injuries were reported. The driver of the town truck was issued a verbal warning for unsafe backing.

Toddy Hill Road Crash

On Feb. 18 at 6:51 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Toddy Hill Road and Berkshire Road. A Honda Accord traveling northbound struck the rear of a Mazda CX-5 that was stopped waiting to turn.

The Honda sustained disabling front-end damage and was towed. Airbags deployed. Neither driver reported injuries. The operator of the Honda was issued an infraction for following too closely resulting in a collision, with a court date of March 6.

Cross Brook Road Criminal Case

Police also reported a case stemming from a Feb. 12 incident on Cross Brook Road. Christopher A. Socci, 39, of Newtown, was charged Feb. 20 with first-degree harassment and second-degree threatening involving a physical threat. He was released on a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on Feb. 23.

Quarry Ridge Road Dispute

On Feb. 23 at 7:25 p.m., officers responded to 5 Quarry Ridge Road in Sandy Hook for a reported dispute. Following an investigation, Richard Dewald III, 29, of Sandy Hook, was charged with disorderly conduct. He posted 7 percent of a $5,000 bond and was assigned a Feb. 24 court date in Danbury Superior Court.

Church Hill Road Parking Lot Crash

On Feb. 16 at 1:52 p.m., police investigated a two-vehicle collision in the parking lot at 62 Church Hill Road near the Interstate 84 Exit 10 east off-ramp. A Ford Escape pulling out of the lot turned into a Toyota Prius that had stopped to the right, according to surveillance video reviewed by officers.
No injuries were reported. Because the crash occurred on private property, no enforcement action was taken.

Hattertown Road Driveway Crash

On Feb. 22 at 5:51 p.m., a Toyota Tundra slid down a snow-covered driveway at 192 Hattertown Road and struck a tree. The truck sustained disabling damage and was privately towed. No injuries were reported, and no enforcement action was taken because the incident occurred on private property.

South Main Street Snow Bank

On Feb. 21 at 2:58 a.m., a BMW traveling northbound on South Main Street attempted to turn left onto Orchard Hill Road, skidded on wet pavement and struck a snow bank. No injuries were reported. The motorist was issued an infraction for traveling too fast for conditions.

Hawleyville Road Gas Station Collision

Later that day at 5:20 p.m., a Honda Civic leaving a gas pump near Hawleyville Road and Old Hawleyville Road struck a Ford F-150 attempting to enter the lot. Both vehicles sustained functional damage but remained operable. The Honda driver stated she was at fault. Because the crash occurred on private property, no enforcement action was authorized.

Botsford Hill Road Snow Embankment

On Feb. 15 at 6:15 a.m., a Toyota Corolla traveling southbound on Botsford Hill Road went off the roadway and into a snow embankment. The driver reported possibly falling asleep. No injuries were reported. An infraction was issued for a restricted turn.

Botsford Hill Road Snow Bank Crash

On Feb. 4 at 7:49 p.m., a Hyundai Elantra traveling southbound on Botsford Hill Road entered a right-hand curve, crossed into the northbound lane and struck a snow bank on the opposite shoulder, coming to rest there. No injuries were reported. The motorist was issued a written warning for failure to drive right in a curve.

Hawleyville Road Exit 9 Collision

Earlier that morning at 8:48 a.m., police investigated a two-vehicle collision at Hawleyville Road and the Interstate 84 westbound Exit 9 off-ramp. A Nissan Kicks stopped at the ramp entered the intersection to turn left and struck the rear bumper of a Volkswagen Atlas that had been stopped on Hawleyville Road.

No injuries were reported. The driver of the Nissan was issued a written warning for failure to grant the right of way at a stop sign.

Church Hill Road Tractor-Trailer Crash

On Feb. 13 at 7:59 a.m., a Hyundai Tucson traveling eastbound on Church Hill Road struck the trailer of a tractor-trailer that had slowed for traffic near the Interstate 84 Exit 10 eastbound on-ramp. Police reported no injuries. The driver of the Hyundai received a verbal warning for following too closely .

Covered Bridge Road Intersection Crash

On Feb. 19 at 5:52 p.m., a Kia Sportage traveling eastbound on Hawleyville Road began turning left onto Covered Bridge Road and struck the front left bumper of a Buick Regal that was stopped at a stop sign facing southbound.

No injuries were reported and no vehicles were towed. The operator making the left turn was issued a written warning for failure to grant the right of way to oncoming traffic.

Risk of Injury Charge

In a separate matter, Dorcas Ampomea Boateng Asa-Ntow, 39, of Sugar Street, was taken into custody Feb. 17 at 2:15 p.m. at Newtown Police Department headquarters in connection with an incident recorded under case number 2600000562. She was charged with two counts of risk of injury to a child. A court date was set for Feb. 18 in Danbury Superior Court.

Police continue to remind motorists to use caution during winter conditions, particularly on curved and snow-covered roadways.