Third Norwalk police officer arrested within a month’s span. This time for a road rage incident
A Norwalk police officer is accused of throwing objects at a car and attempting to run the driver off the highway during a road rage incident in Trumbull on Saturday, state police said. The policeman is the third member of the Norwalk Police Department to be arrested within a month’s span.
Troopers from Troop G were dispatched to the area of Route 25 South near Exit 6 in Trumbull around noon on Saturday for reports of a road rage incident, according to the Connecticut State Police.
The complainant alleged that, while driving on Route 15 North between Exits 44 and 49, her vehicle was struck by an object during a road rage incident, state police said. She alleged that the driver of a tan GMC Yukon threw an object at her vehicle and began to follow her in an attempt to run her off the road, according to state police.
Troopers were able to locate the vehicle and the driver, identified as 54-year-old David Vetare. During the investigation, Vetare reportedly admitted his involvement in the incident, state police said.
Vetare is charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle with the intention to harass or intimidate and second-degree breach of peace. According to state police, he was issued a misdemeanor summons with a $5,000 non-surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on March 20.
Vetare is the third Norwalk police officer arrested since February.
Norwalk Officer Hector Delgado was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department on third-degree stalking and second-degree harassment charges related to a family violence incident on Feb. 7.
On Feb. 16, Norwalk Sgt. Shannon Sherry, 48, turned himself in to state police on charges of failure to drive in the proper lane and misconduct of a motor vehicle in connection with a rollover crash on Interstate 84 in Southington in April 2023 that killed a New Britain man when he was ejected from his pickup truck.
Delgado and Sherry were both placed on administrative leave, and internal affairs investigations have been launched.
In response to the recent arrests, Norwalk Chief of Police James Walsh issued a statement on Tuesday.
“I write to you today amidst challenging circumstances that have undoubtedly affected our community and the Norwalk Police Department. The recent arrest of three of our officers has understandably raised concerns and shaken the trust that we have worked tirelessly to build within our community.
“First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest reassurance to our community members: your safety and trust remain our top priorities. While recent events may cause uncertainty, I want to emphasize that these actions do not define our department as a whole. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of integrity.
“To our dedicated officers, I understand that recent events may have left many of you feeling disheartened and uncertain. Please know that you have my full support and that of the entire leadership team. The actions of a few individuals do not reflect the values and dedication that you bring to your roles each day. Thank you for your continued dedication, resilience, and commitment to serving and protecting our community.
“As we move forward. I want to assure the community that we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into these matters.”
