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07/06/2010 12:00 AMIt was a busy weekend for Branford police officers who arrested 11 adults and one juvenile for possession of fireworks. In total, officers seized approximately 80 pounds of the illegal explosives.
Captain Geoffrey Morgan of the Branford Polce Department reported that there were more arrest this weekend than any other Fourth of July holiday weekend in the past.
The police were on diligent patrol of neighborhoods, looking out for those using fireworks after the department received numerous complaints from community residents before the holiday, reporting illegal and dangerous displays in their neighborhoods in past years.
Complaints centered on noise and burning debris falling back onto neighborhood roofs.
The explosives confiscated from the arrestees consisted of large aerial explosives, some smaller rockets and aerial displays all of which had been purchased out of state and illegally transported into Branford.
“Our involvement and collaboration with the community neighborhoods has evolved to the point that they want to prevent crime and improve their quality of life in partnership with the police.” said Chief John DeCarlo. “To that end, we received many calls after last year’s holiday and over the past several weeks alerting us to illegal firework displays in their area. As a result, our officers responded to the community’s needs as we have in the past, and will continue to do in the future.”
The following were arrested for possession of fireworks: Nathanael Andreozzi (DOB 5/12/1986) of 171 Linden Avenue, Branford; Vincent Beedle (DOB 1/8/1964) of 77 Saddle Hill Drive, Guilford; Paul Bunnell (DOB 2/26/1961) of 33 Greenfield Avenue, Branford; Freddy Manuel Chusino-Juela (DOB 5/8/1977) of 2241 Boston Post Road, Guilford; William Frechette (DOB 6/14/1960) of 16 First Avenue, Branford; Anthony Giordano (DOB 1/28/1991) of 19 Terhune Avenue, Branford; Michael Horrigan (DOB 5/28/1982) of 186 South Montowese Street, Branford; Brian Massey (DOB 9/18/1960) of 11 Tanglewood Drive, Branford; Justin McCobb (DOB 4/4/1980) of 7 Mona Avnue, Branford; Robert Miller (DOB 10/25/1972) of 39 Elm Street, Branford; Matthew Rooney (DOB 2/1/1982) of 229 Branford Road, North Branford.
All were released on a Written Promise to Appear in New Haven court on July 13.Branford Police Department Press Release