Groton Arrests: Unlawful Restraint, Strangulation, Assault

A New London man was charged with first-degree strangulation this week after a domestic dispute, according to court documents.

Jason M. Yard, 29, of 96 Green St., #3A in New London, was arrested at 9:45 a.m. on Feb. 27 by Groton Town Police, and charged with first-degree strangulation, first-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree assault and breach of peace. He was also charged with second-degree failure to appear in another matter.

According to a police report, Yard had an argument with his ex-girlfriend about whether she was cheating on him, checked her cell phone and confronted her about it.

The woman said Yard grabbed her by the throat, pulled her off the floor and began choking her. Her daughter was asleep in the house at the time but did not wake up, the report said.

Yard said he did not physically attack the woman, the report said.

Other arrests are listed below:

Feb. 27

Cornelius P. Donnel, V, 24, 29 Allyn St., Mystic, 6 p.m., driving a motor vehicle when registration is suspended, driving an unregistered motor vehicle; court date March 12.

Derek L. Duquette, 34, 60A School St., Danielson, 2:55 p.m., two counts of risk of injury to a child, second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving not greater than 85 mph, failure to obey control signal; court date March 12.

Donnalee M. Miner, 22, 470 Gold Star Highway, 104, 1:23 p.m., second-degree failure to appear, failure to respond to infraction; court date Feb. 28.

Feb. 28

Juan Torrella, 45, 20 Latham St., Groton, 6:25 p.m., sixth-degree larceny, risk of injury to a child; court date March 13.

Jennielee J. Sebastian-Ward, 38, 7 Ephrams Path, Mashantucket, 8:28 a.m., breach of peace, second-degree harassment; court date Feb. 28.

Feb. 29

Joseph V. Polizzi, 47, 76 Federal St., New London, 5:22 p.m., sixth-degree larceny; court ate March 14.

March 1

Ashley N. Shahan, 20, 193 Yantic Lane, Norwich, 6:35 p.m., sixth-degree larceny, first-degree criminal trespassing; court date March 14.

March 2

Catlin M. Richardson, 22, 33 Pound Road, Westerly, R.I., 1:58 a.m., driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to drive in proper lane on multiple lane highway, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension; court date March 2.