Disturbance At Park Leads To 2 Arrests: East Lyme Police

EAST LYME, CT — A disturbance at a local park resulted in two arrests, police said.

At 5:50 p.m. Saturday, the East Lyme Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a disturbance at Cini Park in Niantic.

Callers reported that a man and woman were involved in a confrontation with other beachgoers and that one individual had displayed what appeared to be a firearm, police said.

Responding officers obtained suspect descriptions and, using the Town's security camera system along with information provided by witnesses, quickly located the male suspect in the park parking lot, police said.

He complied with officers' commands and was taken into custody without incident, police said.

During the investigation, officers recovered a black facsimile firearm concealed inside a chest-mounted carrier, police said.

The facsimile weapon closely resembled a semi-automatic handgun and did not have the orange safety markings typically required, making it appear to be a real firearm, police said.

Through witness interviews and sworn statements, investigators determined that the two individuals were the primary aggressors during the incident, police said.

The investigation revealed that the female suspect threatened another individual and spat on the victim during the confrontation, police said.

The male suspect allegedly threatened to shoot the victim before removing the facsimile firearm from his chest carrier and pointing it directly at the victim's chest, police said.

As a result of the investigation, Tyler Bertrand, 24, of Enfield, was arrested and charged with illegal use of a facsimile firearm, second-degree threatening, and second-degree breach of peace.

Erin Doherty, 21, of East Lyme, was issued a misdemeanor summons charging her with second-degree breach of peace.

The facsimile firearm and chest-mounted carrier were seized as evidence. Officers also determined that the motorcycle associated with the incident was unregistered and displaying improper registration plates, police said. The motorcycle was towed, police said.

"The East Lyme Police Department would like to thank the citizens who immediately called 911, remained on scene, and provided detailed information to responding officers," police said in a statement. "Your willingness to act quickly allowed officers to safely locate the suspect, secure what appeared to be a firearm, and bring this incident to a peaceful resolution.

"Remember: A facsimile firearm can look identical to a real firearm," police said in a statement. "Displaying one during a confrontation can create a dangerous situation for victims, bystanders, and responding officers. If you witness suspicious or threatening behavior, call 911 immediately. Your partnership continues to help keep East Lyme a safe community."