Norwich Man, 18, Linked To Turf Violence Arrested Again

NORWICH, CT — An 18-year-old man who is accused of firing a gun into room full of Halloween party-goers, an event that reportedly was part of ongoing animus between some from New London and Norwich was arrested Tuesday, charged with breach of peace and criminal trespass.

Joseph Desir of Norwich was arrested on Nov. 5 and charged with first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a child. He posted $100,000 bond last Friday Nov. 22 and was freed, court records show.

A report in The Day noted that the suggestion by police to move the annual Norwich Free Academy versus New London High School Thanksgiving football game from night to day coincided with Desir's release from jail last week on the Halloween case.

According to his Facebook page, Desir attended NFA.

According to a report in The Day, his arrest Tuesday Nov. 25 was based on a warrant from the Mashantucket Tribal Police. The report notes that Desir had been banned from Foxwoods Resort Casino after a New Year's Day 2019 clash between youth from New London and Norwich that led to stabbing. But police said Desir came back in late October, just days before the alleged Halloween shooting, and was involved in a fight.

The Day spoke with Tribal Police Chief William Dittman who said his department's warrant for Desir's arrest detailed the Oct. 27 incident where it's alleged Desir was seen on security video attacking a man.

Held on a $30,000 bond, Desir is due in court today.

The NFA versus New London football game is set to kick off at 1 p.m.