I am writing regarding the article written by Ezra Silk in the April 8 issue of The Argus titled “Bitter End: Sophomore fined $219 for throwing candy” (Volume CXLIII, Number 38).
I read the article and noticed numerous inconsistencies throughout the article, and I wanted to take the opportunity to address the Wesleyan University community and set the record straight.
On that morning, I was in my patrol car traveling eastbound on Washington Street, east of the intersection of Washington Street and Vine Street. Mr. Fertig was with two other males walking near the roadway in Veteran’s Green. I saw Mr. Fertig raise his hand and toss something toward my car as I passed by him. I heard the sound of objects striking my car. I turned around and contacted Mr. Fertig, who admitted to throwing candy into the road but claimed that it was an accident that the candy struck my patrol car. Mr. Fertig could have tossed the candy onto the green to his left but, for some unknown reason, chose to toss the candy toward my patrol car. It should also be noted that there were no other cars in the area when Mr. Fertig tossed his candy.
As I’m sure most are aware, throwing items at moving motor vehicles is extremely dangerous. I extended Mr. Fertig a courtesy by only charging him with Littering, a $219.00 fine. Mr. Fertig could have been charged with C.G.S. 14-146 Throwing Objects At Motor Vehicle Or Highway, a $375.00 fine.
Mr. Silk goes on to write that I was involved in the arrest of Jose Chapa and another incident involving members of Teens With Talent.
The Argus should have done its homework. If The Argus were a responsible newsapaper, it would have learned that, in the Jose Chapa incident, I was cleared of all charges. The Argus also would have learned that, in the Teens With Talent incident, I was completely exonerated of all charges. It was very irresponsible of The Argus to print the comments of Ms. McRae-White who claimed that an agreement was reached in which I “apologized for my actions.” This never happened.
I actively patrol the City of Middletown, which Wesleyan University is a part of. I believe in addressing quality of life issues when I see them occurring throughout the city and, while the majority of my contacts with the Wesleyan University community have been pleasant, there have been a few unfortunate incidents that have resulted in either a ticket being issued or an arrest being made.
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