Community Corner
GoFundMe Started for Trumbull Stop and Shop Employee Involved in McGovern Accident
Bernadino Nieva was thrust into the spotlight after being involved in a minor motor vehicle accident with a Trumbull Police commissioner.
TRUMBULL, CT—Planning and Zoning Commissioner Fred Garrity has started a GoFundMe to benefit Bernadino Nieva, the man who was unexpectedly thrust into the public spotlight after being involved in a minor motor vehicle accident with a Trumbull police commissioner.
Nieva filed a harassment complaint Sept. 9 with police after Police Commissioner Roger McGovern reportedly demanded he pay him $2,600 on numerous occasions after Nieva's bicycle crashed into McGovern's vehicle Aug. 19.
“Trumbull cares, and there are many great people here in Trumbull who after reading of Mr Nieva’s personal difficulties in the press and on social media, after his accident, that really want to help, and this is one way we can do that," Garrity said.
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The GoFundMe has raised more than $1,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. It's intended goal is $2,600.
Nieva rides his bicycle to and from his job at Stop and Shop to help support family members, including his handicapped parents.
Find out what's happening in Trumbullfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Nieva told McGovern he was going to call the police after McGovern stopped by Stop and Shop on a number of occasions looking for money. Nieva said he didn't have $2,600 available.
McGovern replied, “I am the police,” and left during the last incident, according to a police report.
McGovern was told by police officials to go through the proper channels to resolve his dispute with the bicyclist that hit his vehicle.Police commissioners are appointed by the first selectman and oversee matters related to the police department.
First Selectman Tim Herbst said that the investigation remains ongoing.
"Local law enforcement will refer this matter to the State’s Attorney’s office to determine if any laws were broken or if charges should be filed," he said. "At the conclusion of this investigation, if there is sufficient evidence to establish that laws were broken, the offending party should submit their resignation."
He added that no public official elected or appointed is above the law.
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