Newtown Police Report Crashes, Warrant Cases, DUI Stop, And Assault Call

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Police Department released several recent reports involving traffic collisions, vehicle damage, and one case involving a driving-under-the-influence charge. The incidents took place between Nov. 1 and Nov. 9.

DUI Stop With Children in Vehicle

On Nov. 7, officers received reports of a dark-colored Volvo driving erratically on Poverty Hollow Road. The vehicle was later stopped on Key Rock Road. Police said James Oshea Craemer, 57, of Westport, was driving under the influence and failed to stay in his lane. Craemer resisted officers during the roadside investigation and sustained a minor injury before being treated at Danbury Hospital. Two children in the vehicle were identified as his daughters, ages 7 and 8. Craemer was charged with driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane, risk of injury to a child, and interfering with an officer. He was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on Nov. 20.

In Connecticut, the legal blood alcohol content limit for driving is 0.08 percent for those 21 and older.

Assault Investigation on Pole Bridge Road

On Nov. 2, police responded to a fight between two individuals at 56 Pole Bridge Road. Leonard Cenolli, 44, of Elmwood Park, N.J., was charged with third-degree assault and released on a $5,000 non-surety bond for a Nov. 13 court date in Danbury.

Warrant Served in Larceny and Substance Case

On Nov. 8, Maria Do Carmo Franca, 49, of Danbury, went to Newtown Police headquarters after learning of a warrant connected to a Sept. 15 incident. Franca was charged with sixth-degree larceny and possession of a controlled substance. She was released on a $500 bond and is due in court Nov. 24.

Two Injured in Exit 9 Collision

On Nov. 8, police responded to a two-car crash on Hawleyville Road near the I-84 eastbound Exit 9 on-ramp. Officers said a Ford Explorer turned left in front of a northbound Hyundai Elantra, causing a collision. Two occupants of the Ford sustained minor injuries and were taken to Danbury Hospital. Both vehicles were towed. The Ford’s driver was cited for driving without a license and failing to yield while turning left.

Church Hill Road Crash

On Nov. 9, two vehicles collided on Church Hill Road near Commerce Road. Police said a Hyundai turned onto Church Hill without yielding to a Jeep, causing both vehicles to sustain damage. No injuries were reported. The Hyundai’s driver was issued a written warning for failure to grant right of way.

Deer Collision on Poverty Hollow Road

On Nov. 4, an Acura MDX struck a deer on Poverty Hollow Road near Farm Meadow Road. The driver, a 30-year-old Westport man, was not injured, though the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Parking Lot Crash on Queen Street

Police responded to a three-car crash on Nov. 3 in the Barnwood Grill parking lot at 5 Queen St. A Lexus struck a parked BMW, which then hit another BMW. No one was hurt, and police issued no enforcement since the incident occurred on private property.

Hit-And-Run on Washington Avenue

A 2024 Dodge Ram pickup struck a utility pole and left the scene sometime overnight between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 on Washington Avenue. Police ask anyone with information about the vehicle to contact the department.

Box Truck Hits Utility Wires

On Nov. 4, a Freightliner box truck traveling north on Bennetts Bridge Road struck low-hanging utility wires, leaving them hanging across the roadway. No injuries or vehicle damage were reported. Eversource was called to remove the wires.

Hit-And-Run Near Church Hill Road Mobil Station

On Nov. 1, a white box truck changed lanes on Church Hill Road and sideswiped a Honda Accord before leaving the area and entering I-84 eastbound. Surveillance video confirmed the vehicle description, but no plate number was visible. No injuries were reported.

All charged are considered innocent unless found guilty in court.