Norwalk Police Promise Transparency After Third Officer Charged Within A Month: PD

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Police Department is promising transparency and accountability following the recent arrests of three Norwalk police officers, the third of which was arrested over the weekend in connection to a road rage incident near Trumbull, according to Connecticut State Police.

According to an incident report provided by state police, Troop G Troopers received a report Saturday around 12 p.m. from a woman who said her vehicle was struck with an object during a road rage incident on Route 15 north between exits 44 and 49.

The woman told troopers the driver of a tan GMC Yukon with a Connecticut license plate threw an object at her car and followed her in an attempt to run her off the road, according to state police.

Troopers later located the vehicle and the driver was identified as David Vetare, 54, who admitted to his involvement in the incident, state police said.

Vetare, a Norwalk police officer, was charged with reckless driving, second-degree reckless endangerment, operating a motor vehicle with the intention to harass or intimidate and second-degree breach of peace. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month, according to state police.

Vetare is the third Norwalk police officer to be charged within the past month. On Feb. 15, state police charged Shannon James Sherry, a 48-year-old Norwalk police sergeant, in connection with a fatal collision on Interstate 84.

On April 19, 2023, police said Sherry was driving a 2023 Model 3 Tesla on I-84 East in the left lane of three near Exit 30 when the Tesla veered across the center lane and into the right lane, where it collided with a Ford F250 pickup truck.

This caused the truck to lose control and cross the center lane, into the left lane, and then a grassy median, where it began to roll over. The truck then slammed into a metal beam guardrail on I-84 West, where it came to rest, according to police.

Elijah Joseph Vallier, 24, of New Britain, was killed in the accident, according to police. Sherry was charged with failure to drive in the proper lane and misconduct with a motor vehicle.

Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh said at that time, Sherry was on administrative leave while the department conducted an internal investigation into the crash and charges.

On Feb. 23, the department was notified that Norwalk Officer Hector Delgado, 51, was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department on an outstanding warrant charging him with third-degree stalking and second-degree harassment.

See also:

• Norwalk Police Officer Arrested, Placed On Administrative Leave: PD
• Norwalk Cop Charged In Fatal Southington Crash: Police

Police said Delgado's arrest stemmed from a "family violence incident" but did not provide further details about the incident. He was placed on administrative leave, his firearm was seized and his police powers were suspended as a result of the arrest.

Police also noted an internal affairs investigation would be initiated.

In a statement released Tuesday night, Walsh said the "challenging circumstances" of the past month have undoubtedly affected both the Norwalk community and the department.

"The recent arrest of three of our officers has understandably raised concerns and shaken the trust that we have worked tirelessly to build within our community," Walsh said.

Walsh reassured Norwalk residents maintaining their safety and trust remained the department's top priority.

"While recent events may cause uncertainty, I want to emphasize that these actions do not define our department as a whole," Walsh said. "We are committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of integrity."

He also acknowledged these recent arrests may leave the department's dedicated officers feeling disheartened and uncertain.

"Please know that you have my full support and that of the entire leadership team," Walsh said. "The actions of a few individuals do not reflect the values and dedication that you bring to your roles each day. Thank you for your continued dedication, resilience, and commitment to serving and protecting our community. As we move forward. I want to assure the community that we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into these matters."