Security Guard Accused Of Firing 2 Bullets Into Stamford Park: PD

STAMFORD, CT — A Stamford security guard is accused of firing two bullets into Scalzi Park while a football practice and other sports games were going on Wednesday evening, according to police. He has been charged with 50 counts of reckless endangerment and 22 counts of risk of injury to a minor, among other charges, police said.

Capt. Richard Conklin said a call came in around 6:30 p.m. from a resident who reported hearing gunshots in the area of Scalzi Park. Officers responded and say James Denardo III, 68, of Stamford appeared to have fired a pistol toward the park and hit a baseball field there, Conklin said.

Conklin said there were "a lot of people" in the park at the time, however no one was injured as the bullets hit the ground.

"We identified about 50 people in the park by name," Conklin said. "There were ballgames, football practices; all kinds of stuff going on."

The incident occurred directly across from Fourth Street, near the baseball fields, where the accused was sitting in a maroon-colored Cadillac, Conklin said. Officers arrested the accused at gunpoint and seized his firearm, Conklin said.

According to the Stamford Advocate, officers located a loaded two-shot derringer pistol in the accused's lap and a loaded .9mm Beretta inside the vehicle. Police said the accused had purchased both guns earlier that day.

Officers seized the weapons and the accused's pistol permit, Conklin said. He also confirmed the accused is a security guard but said he was unsure where he works.

Conklin said police are trying to ascertain his reason for firing the gun. The accused is charged with 50 counts of reckless endangerment, 22 counts of risk of injury to a minor, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and interfering with police.