Weston Couple Confront Danbury Man Stealing Their Firewood: PD

WILTON, CT — A Weston couple sustained serious injuries when they were assaulted by a man they confronted stealing their firewood, according to police.

Wilton police responded to a report of an assault in the area of 978 Danbury Road, at approximately 3:46 Tuesday morning. They found Leslie Philibert, 45, of Forest Avenue in Danbury, and Rolen Altamirano, 50, and Beatriz Altamirano, 46, of Maple Street in Weston, "appearing to have been involved in a physical altercation."

Following an investigation, police say they learned that the Altamiranos rent part of the lot at 991 Danbury Road for commercial purposes. The couple told police that they saw on their security camera that someone was repeatedly taking firewood from their inventory in the early hours of the morning. As a result, the Altamiranos told police they decided to stake out the property and wait for the person to show up.

Police say that Philibert pulled up and began to load firewood into the back of his Hyundai Tiburon at approximately 3:30 a.m. The Altamiranos then pulled their own vehicle around to block the Hyundai,"exiting the vehicle equipped with bats and confronting" Philibert.

"At some point, Philibert got a hold of an aluminum bat possessed by Rolen Altamirano and proceeded to assault both Altamiranos with the bat," said Capt. Robert Cipolla. "Both Altamiranos sustained serious injuries to their face and head. All three individuals where transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment."

Both Altamiranos were charged with second-degree breach of peace and released on a promise to appear in court on March 5.

Philibert was taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, first-degree criminal trespass and sixth-degree larceny. He was held on a $30,000 bond and arraigned at court on later on Tuesday, Feb. 25.