CHAPLIN — A state police dog tracked a Willimantic man into the woods after a disturbance at the Chaplin Fire House on election night, WINY Radio reported Thursday, citing Connecticut State Police.
Troopers responded around 7:25 p.m. November 3 after firefighters reported that a man had become aggressive toward firefighters and people voting in the building, requested a ride home and then left on foot, according to WINY’s account of the police report.
During the search, troopers found an unoccupied Toyota Avalon disabled in the northbound lane of Route 198 near Route 6. Police said the south-facing car had damage consistent with sideswiping, and a nearby guardrail also had minor damage. The Department of Transportation was notified.
Trooper First Class Ryan Mara and K9 Kash followed a track about 1.2 miles from the vehicle and found David Pinedo, 30, lying in a wooded area, WINY reported.
Pinedo was charged with second-degree breach of peace, interfering with an officer, driving under suspension, evading responsibility involving property damage and failure to drive in the proper lane. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
WINY reported that Pinedo appeared in Danielson Superior Court November 4 after being held on a $1,000 bond. Citing court records, the station said he had since been released and was scheduled to return December 21 at 10 a.m.