the Town of Greenwich by Frank Trotta

Officer of the Month
January, 2012
Master Patrol Officer Charles Eible

On December 8th, 2011 the Mobil Gas Station located at 623 West Putnam Ave was robbed at gunpoint by a suspect whose description was broadcasted to all available units. MPO Eible responded to the call during the first moments of the scene but the suspect had fled the area and was no where to be found.
Later that evening, MPO Eible was conducting an unrelated investigation when he observed a subject which matched the description of the earlier robbery suspect. MPO Eible detained him and through continued investigation determined him to be our suspect in the robbery.

“Although many officers from the Patrol and Detective Division would participate in this investigation, Officer Eible’s initial stop was instrumental in the quick apprehension of the suspect and successful conclusion to a serious crime.”
Chief James Heavey

Officer Charles Eible is commended for his keen observation and vigilance.

Officer of the Month
November, 2011
Sergeant James Bonney
Marine Officer Francesco DiPietro
Marine Officer Josh Repik

On 10/13/2011 at 11:36 AM the Rye Police Department contacted the Greenwich Police Department and requested mutual aid assistance. Rye PD reported that three fishermen were stranded on a rock in a rising tide approximately 50 yards off the shore of Rye New York. There was a stiff 35 knot easterly wind with 4 to 8 foot swells crashing over the rock the fishermen were stranded upon.

The GPD Marine Section responded to the scene in Greenwich Police Boat #124. Three officers were on board, Sgt. James Bonney, Marine Officer Josh Repik, and Marine Officer Francesco DiPietro.

Upon arriving on the scene, Rye PD Marine Officer Michael Kelly was transferred from the Rye Police Boat to PB #124 and assisted in the rescue. He had intimate knowledge of the tight quarters within the under water rock field where these persons were stranded.

Marine Officer Repik manned the helm of PB #124 and held the vessel steady in the rough seas as Marine Officer DiPietro and Kenny assisted Sgt. Bonney, who had donned a dry (crew) suit and entered the water in a 8’ foot plastic dingy. The dingy was tethered to PB #124 with a 200’ foot long line. Sgt Bonney was able to row up to the 3 stranded fishermen and give them all life jackets. All three of the stranded fisherman did not speak English and were unable to communicate with the Sergeant Bonney as he attempted to give them instructions.

The two male fishermen, obviously fearing for their lives and not understanding the instructions given, physically tossed the third female fishermen into the dingy. When the female fisherman landed in the boat it caused it to capsize throwing Sergeant Bonney and the female fisherman into water. The female fisherman was rescued by Sergeant Bonney, placed in the now swamped dinghy, and then the half swamped boat was physically pulled back to PB #124 by the marine officers onboard.

The Chief of the Rye Police Department as well as the Rye Police Commissioner, who were on shore observing the operation, determined that it was too dangerous to attempt to rescue the remaining two fishermen with the boat. The Westchester County Helicopter was dispatched to the scene and rescued one of the remaining fishermen from rock jetty and one from the water surrounding the rock jetty. All three subjects were checked out my Rye EMS personnel and released.

“This is clear demonstration how effective training, professionalism, and cooperation makes a difference in public safety. The selfless actions of our officers and those from Rye bring great credit to themselves and the Police Profession.”
Chief James Heavey

Sgt. James Bonney, Marine Officer Josh Repik, and Marine Officer Francesco DiPietro are commended for their heroic actions.

Popular Japanese restaurant Abis is on fire. Lower Greenwich Avenue and Mason St. closed.

According to high level police officials. GPD Captain Mark Marino is the new Deputy Police Chief. Here is public record background on Deputy Chief Marino from an earlier promotion:

Mark A. Marino
Home address: Trumbull
Place of birth: Port Chester, N.Y. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Rocco A. Marino (deceased)
Marital Status: Married Two Children —
Education: Graduated Port Chester High School — 1977
Graduated Norwalk Community College 1986 — Assoc. Degree
Criminal Justice
Military:
Military Policeman — U.S. Army 1977-1980 Honorably Discharged — 1980
Served three years — W. Germany
Police experience:
Greenwich Police Department — June 10, 1983
Accident Car
FTO
Promoted to Detective — 1993
Promoted to Sergeant — August 3, 1995
Promoted to Lieutenant — August 19, 2004
Promoted to Captain — March 26, 2010
Member of Special Response Unit (SRU) since 1988 — Commander
Police training:
Detective School — 1994
Homicide Investigation — 1997
FBI SWAT School — 1998
Advanced Tactical Team — 2002
Managing the Detective Unit — 2002
Crime Scene Reconstruction — 2002
Major Case Management — 2003
Middle Management — 2004
Advanced Homicide Investigation — 2005
SWAT Management — 2007

Awards:
Clarke Award — 2003
U.S. Attorney’s Award for L.E. — 2004
Meritorious Police Duty Medal
Investigators Ribbon (2x)
G.F.D. Merit Award
Affiliations:
Fairfield County Detective Conference
National Tactical Officers Association

From GPD courtesy of CAPP (Community & Police Partnership)

Robbery
Mobil Gas Station
GPD CFS # 11-52096

Arrestee:
Michael James Rinello DOB: 07/12/1977
30 Windy Knolls Apartment # A
Greenwich, CT 06830

Charges:
Robbery 1st 53a-134 Felony
Larceny 6th 53a-125b Misdemeanor
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 21a-167. Misdemeanor

Arrestee Disposition:
Court Date: 12/16/11 GA-1 Stamford Bond:$100,000 Held at GPD Lock up

Summary:
On 12-8-11 numerous GPD units were dispatched to the Mobil Gas Station located at 623 West Putnam Ave on the report of armed robbery.
The suspect in the robbery was described as a shorter white male, clean shaven wearing a black fedora style hat and “3D” type glasses. The suspect was wearing a dark coat on with dark pants. The suspect displayed a silver and black handgun.
The suspect demanded the cash from the register. The clerk told the suspect that he would get in trouble if he were to give him the money. The suspect then demanded a reduced amount of two hundred dollars. The suspect then related he was in a hurry and then further reduced amount of the demand to sixty dollars. The suspect became impatient and told the clerk that: “I have to go. I really need the money my son is sick in the hospital”.

The suspect was given sixty dollars from the cash register, the suspect then fled the store on foot in a westerly direction on West Putnam Ave.

A canvass of the area resulted in a male subject matching the suspect’s description walking on Byram Terrace Drive. This male subject was detained and eventually positively identified as the suspect in the robbery.

The suspects clothing and a toy gun was located a short distance away. A search of the suspect revealed he was in possession of a fedora style hat,“3D” glasses,sixty dollars cash in the exact denominations that was stolen as well hypodermic needles.
Rinello was placed under arrest and transported to GPD without incident. Rinello was assigned a court date of 12-16-11 at Stamford Superior Court.

courtesy of CAPP (Community & Police Partnership)

On 12/8/11, numerous GPD Units were dispatched to the Mobil Gas Station located at 623 West Putnam Avenue in reference to an armed robbery.

The suspect in the robbery was described as a shorter white male, wearing a black fedora hat. The male was wearing a dark coat with dark pants on. The male displayed a silver and black handgun at the time of the robbery. The male was given sixty dollars from the cashier and then fled the store on foot on West Putnam Avenue.

A canvass of the area resulted in a male subject matching that description walking on Byram Terrace Drive. The male was identified as Michael Rinello
(34 yrs old) of Windy Knolls. Rinello was positively identified as the suspect by the cashier and video surveillance footage.

At the time of the arrest, Rinello had in his possession several hypodermic needles.

Rinello was charged with the following;

Robbery 1st
Larceny 6th
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Bond was set a $100,000 with a court date of 12/16/2011.

FROM GHS HEADMASTER:

Dear Parents,

Below is a statement just released by the Greenwich Public Schools in response to new information from the Greenwich Police Department regarding an ongoing investigation of Steve Allen.

If you would like to talk to your child about this new information and need guidance or assistance, we are prepared to help you. It is important for all of our students to feel comfortable talking about these issues with you as their parents. The administrators and counselors at Greenwich High School are also available as an additional support system to you and your child.

If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us.

Thank you,

Chris Winters,
GHS Headmaster
******************************************
Wednesday, November 30. 2011

Greenwich Police Department Issues Press Release

Regarding Former Music Teacher Steve Allen

The Greenwich Police Department (GPD) has issued a press release stating that photographs of a sexually explicit nature, some of which appeared to include children, were discovered in Mr. Steve Allen’s apartment at the time of his death. Mr. Allen, a thirty-three year educator and music teacher at Eastern Middle School for the last eleven years, passed away on November 9, 2011.

According to the GPD press release, an in-depth investigation into this issue is ongoing in order to, “determine Mr. Allen’s level of involvement in this activity, identify and assist all possible victims, and confirm that none of the victims are local residents.”

Superintendent of Schools Roger J. Lulow said, “We are both surprised and distressed at this news. We are surprised because there had been no indication or suspicion that Mr. Allen was involved in any activity of this nature, nor have there been any complaints or accusations regarding his behavior. We are distressed because we do not condone or tolerate this behavior in anyone, much less a member of our staff. A review of Mr. Allen’s personnel file and the background check, including fingerprinting, conducted at the time of his hire, reveal no reports, accusations or suspicions of inappropriate behavior nor any criminal record.”

Dr. Lulow continued, “We are relieved that the police have not found any evidence that local individuals have been victim to inappropriate or illegal acts in relation to Mr. Allen’s personal activities. The GPD release further states, “the majority of the discovered photographs appear to be from web sites that cater to this type of criminal activity, many of which are located in foreign countries.” We are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation, and encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact Lt. Kraig Gray at the Greenwich Police Department, 203-622-3620.”

Dr. Lulow added, “Our primary objective at this time is to assist the school community, particularly the students, in dealing with this news. To that end, the District as a whole and Eastern Middle School and Greenwich High School (schools with students of Mr. Allen’s) specifically, will provide support and guidance for staff, students and families as needed.”

If parents have concerns about how to respond to specific questions from their children or if they are concerned about their children’s response to this information, they should contact their child’s school and ask to speak with the psychologist, social worker or guidance counselor.

The Greenwich Public Schools curriculum includes instruction in Grades 1, 4, 8 and 11 for students on how to recognize inappropriate or illegal behavior and what to do if they believe they are experiencing it or are witness to such acts. We encourage families to listen carefully to their children and encourage conversation about this matter.
In order to maintain or hold a license to teach in the State of Connecticut, teachers must abide by the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for Educators, which specifically addresses expectations around both professional and unprofessional conduct. There is no tolerance for any illegal behavior on the part of any employee of the Greenwich Public Schools, particularly when the actions may impact the health and safety of our students.

Battle of the Badges

GPD winner 2009 2010

GFD winner 2008

GEMS

Battle of the Badges

Saturday, December 10
8:00 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

at the Greenwich Police Station
19 Havemeyer Place

The Battle of the Badges contest and blood drive is a friendly
competition to see which group can collect the most units of
lifesaving blood, through their own donations as well as through
recruited donors.

Please join us at the Greenwich Police Station to support your
local department!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an
appointment, please call the Greenwich Chapter at
203-869-8444 or 1.800.REDCROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org

The following GPD press release is courtesy of CAPP.

Officer of the Month
October, 2011
Detective Sergeant Thomas Kelly

At 3:15 PM the Greenwich Police Department was alerted that the Lux, Bond and Green jewelry store was being robbed. Detective Sergeant Thomas Kelly immediately responded to the area to assist officers involved in a foot pursuit of one of the suspects.
Sergeant Kelly located and made the initial apprehension of one of the four suspects. That initial capture was the pivotal moment for a quick conclusion to this investigation. After the apprehension, Detective Sergeant Kelly supervised the investigative effort in this incident with many hours spent pursuing the remaining suspects into their hometown of New York City.
Four suspects were ultimately determined to be involved in the robbery, three of which have been arrested. An arrest warrant has been obtained for the fourth suspect, who remains on the run. All of the suspects have extensive criminal histories with one of the suspects having been released from prison just 4 days prior to the robbery.

“This is a classic example of Sergeant Kelly’s resourcefulness and dedication to duty. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time and is very deserving of this recognition.”
Captain Mark Marino
Detective Division

Sergeant Kelly is commended for his decisive action and dedication to duty.

FROM GPD courtesy of CAPP

Bank Robbery
People Bank Riverside
GPD # 11-49169
At 1017 AM on November 16, 2011, GPD communications center received a hold up alarm from :
Peoples Bank
1155 East Putnam Ave
Riverside, CT
A suspect had entered the bank and presented the teller with note demanding money. No weapon was displayed. The teller complied with the request and the suspect left the bank. The suspect is described as:

A Hispanic or light skinned black male, in his 20’s, with facial hair, 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 180 lbs. The suspect was wearing a black or dark blue NY Yankee baseball hat, a dark brown hooded sweatshirt, dark brown baggy sweatpants. It’s believed that the suspect may have RED dye on his hands or on his clothing as the bank dye pack was recovered after activation

The suspect was last seen on foot to the rear of the bank. A Stamford police K-9 was detailed to assist in tracking the suspect however the suspect remains at large.

Investigators have viewed surveillance images of the suspect and believe this to be the same suspect from a similar bank robbery. That robbery had taken place on Saturday November 5th the Peoples bank at the bottom of Greenwich Ave.

If anyone has any information regarding either of these bank robberies contact the Greenwich Police Tip line at (203) 622-3333.