Police Log: Hot-Wiring and Multiple Child Endangerment Charges

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

• Mario Lombardi, 50, of Stamford turned himself in on an arrest warrant stemming from a domestic incident on July 11. He was processed and released on a $3,500 cash bond and issued a court date of July 22. The origianl charge was second-degree threatening.
• Jennifer C. Mincey, 40, of Wilton was arrested for DUI and risk of injury to a minor following a motor vehicle accident involving a Wilton CERT member's vehicle. Mincey turned out of Linden Tree Road and hit the CERT member's vehicle while they were directing traffic. When police arrived at the scene, the smelled alcohol on Mincey's breath and she subsequently failed field sobriety tests. Mincey had a child in the car with her at the time of the accident, resulting in the accompanying risk of injury charge. She was released on a PTA and has a July 30 court date.
• Police are conducting a criminal investigation after an unidentified woman passed a counterfeit $100 bill at Outback Steakhouse. The bill was brought to the attention of a manager, who attempted to delay the woman from leaving. She had been waiting for change from the bill after trying to purchase a $10 gift certificate and left before receiving her change. The restaurant manager believed he got the woman's license plate number but police are uncertain if the number was correct. The case remains open.

Thursday, July 22

• Police recovered a stolen motor vehicle that was taken from Ridgefield on July 21. The car was stolen from just over the Ridgefield line where the owner was apparently approaching the vehicle and saw someone in it driving away with it. The car was found the next morning only a mile or so down the road at the Fairfield County Bank in Wilton when the bank manager called to report a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. Wilton police secured the vehicle until Ridgefield police could tow it back to their department for further investigation. According to police, the ignition switch was broken away from the steering column, indicating that the car was likely hot-wired.

Friday, July 23

• A Coach handbag with $60 of cash and various other items was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the parking lot of the Blue Luna Restaurant at 1 Danbury Road. There were no witnesses and no video.

Sunday, July 25

• Karen A. Smith, 43, of Norwalk was observed traveling south on Route 7 in the area of Cannon road. She was observed crossing over the center line into the northbound lane and then passing another southbound vehicle on the right. Upon stopping her, police discovered that Smith had consumed alcoholic beverages prior to driving. She failed field sobriety tests and was taken into custody and charged with failure to drive right, passing on the right, and operating under the influence. She was released on a PTA and has an August 5 court date.
• Around 7:15 a.m. a motor vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree around 264 New Canaan Road. A witness described the vehicle as a teal-colored smaller car, similar to a Toyota Camry or an Acura. The vehicle left the scene of the accident and should have damage to the front and/or right side. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is requested to contact the Wilton police.

Monday, July 26

• John W. Dunkle, 29, of Danbury was charged with speeding, engaging police in pursuit, possession of fireworks and operating under the influence after he led police on a high-speed chase along Route 7. You can read the full story here.