Crime & Safety
Ridgefield K-9 Assists Wilton Arrest
A dispute turns physical and leads to multiple arrests for drug and paraphernalia possession.
WILTON—A call for help from the woods near Village Walk led to domestic abuse charges, a call for Ridgefield's K-9 unit and two drug-related arrests on July 2.
Police responded to a report of a male calling for help from a wooded area near the Village Walk apartment complex in Wilton. Upon arriving at the scene, police interviewed Andrew Zech, 18, who explained that he had had an argument with individuals who had left the area.
The dispute stemmed from Zech being accused of taking $30 from another party. Zech was confronted by several people, but Derrick Astin, 20, of Bridgeport became physical with him, police said. Astin wrestled Zech to the ground and as Zech tried to get away, he ended up falling and injuring his back. The injury is what kept Zech in the woods and prompted his calls for assistance.
Zech was ultimately able to identify the individuals who confronted him and give a description of the vehicle they were driving. From that description, the police located the vehicle on Wolfpit Road.
Upon suspicion of illegal substances in the vehicle, Wilton police called in Ridgefield's K-9 unit and the dog, Zeus, hit on multiple areas in the car, which led to the discovery of small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
After interviewing the occupants of the vehicle, police charged Alex Orsher, 18, of Wilton with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Astin was also charged on the same counts and an additional count of disorderly conduct stemming from his altercation with Zech.
Both Orsher and Astin were released on promises to appear in court and have July 13 arraignment dates.
