Friday, April 17, Middlebury Police Officers responded to 1556 Straits Turnpike on a report of a motor vehicle accident. A complainant met the officers and told them he was almost struck by a vehicle while he entered Joann Drive. He said the vehicle had crossed the lawn at 1556 Straits Turnpike and stopped in the driveway there. Officer Alton Cronin located the vehicle parked in the driveway at 1556 Straits Turnpike. A white female, 43, later identified as Sherri Mancini of 1556 Straits Turnpike was squatting in the driveway. Officer Cronin said she appeared intoxicated and became agitated by his presence and the fact that he shone a flashlight on her.
Mancini’s purse was open and the contents were strewn all over the driveway. As the officer asked about her condition, she began hurling expletives at the officer.She appeared intoxicated and refused to cooperate with Officer Cronin’s request to not move and his attempt to pat her down for weapons. Mancini kicked and punched at Officer Cronin and was subdued with the assistance of Officer P. Deely, who had arrived to assist in the investigation.
While en route to the Middlebury Police Department, Officer Cronin had to stop his vehicle, physically restrain Mancini again and then transfer her to Officer Deely’s patrol vehicle, which had a containment unit for transportation. During this time Mancini insisted she would kill the officers, wanted to kill herself, and directed vulgar language at the officers.
When they arrived at the police department, Mancini became verbally abusive, kicking Officer Cronin before being controlled and placed in the holding facility. Mancini said she would kill herself, so emergency medical response personnel were summoned. Mancini was transported to Waterbury Hospital for a psychological examination.
Mancini was charged with assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct and released on a $500 non-surety bond. Officers were unable to test for the presence of alcohol, so charges of operating under the influence will be pursued at a later time when the investigation is complete.
