Police struggle to subdue man after getting check fraud call
By: Jennifer Misthal, Journal Inquirer
03/24/2006
EAST WINDSOR - Police have arrested one of the two men they say tried to cash fraudulent checks at a local bank branch Thursday morning after he engaged in a violent clash with police officers.
Police today were still looking for Gregory Richards of Hartford, who fled the bank through its front door while officers were subduing Christopher Pitt, Sgt. Michael A. Hannaford said.
Pitt, 33, of Hartford, was arrested on three counts of assault on a public official, first-degree forgery, conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny, attempted fourth-degree larceny, criminal impersonation, and interfering with a police officer.
The checks that Pitt and Richards attempted to cash totaled more than $700, Hannaford said.
After receiving a call at 10:43 a.m. from NewAlliance Bank at 122A Prospect Hill Road, about the use of fraudulent checks, three officers - the entire shift - were dispatched, along with Windsor Locks police and state police who surrounded the bank, according to reports.
When Pitt saw the officers, he began yelling, "I'm an FBI agent. I'm an FBI agent," Hannaford said, adding that an FBI agent would produce identification and wouldn't fight with police.
In addition, "an FBI agent won't look as haggard as he did," Hannaford said of Pitt.
All three officers fought with Pitt before they could handcuff him, Hannaford said.
Police used a stunning device - which delivers electricity to immobilize a suspect - before they were able to subdue Pitt, Hannaford said.
The officers sustained minor injuries, including bumps, scratches, and bruises, he said.
With only three officers at the scene, Richards was able to flee the bank while police were engaged with Pitt, Hannaford said.
Richards tried to go out the back of the bank, but the door was locked and he used the front door instead, Hannaford said.
It was later learned that Richards headed to the Big Y Supermarket at 67 Prospect Hill Road, where he got into a cab and returned to Hartford, police reports indicate.
Hartford police assisted in the search for Richards but couldn't find him, according to police.
Bank employees were notified Thursday that two men were using fraudulent checks, Hannaford said.
Pitt was held in lieu of a $250,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Enfield Superior Court today.
Hannaford said Thursday's incident shows that the department, which has 26 officers, is understaffed.
"With such limited personnel, we're big targets for these kinds of things," he said, adding that town officials must provide the department with resources to expand its staff.
©Journal Inquirer~2006
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