Police Blotter: Arrest Made at Scene of Earlier Crash

On March 25, at 12:25 a.m., police said Yelizaiveta Masalimova, 24, of Stamford, drove around a “road closed” sign at Flintlock and Town Farm Road and almost struck a Ledyard police officer. The road had been closed due to an earlier crash Thursday in which a utility pole was struck and damaged (see below). 

Police said a strong odor of marijuana came from Masalimova’s vehicle, and a glass smoking pipe was in plain view. Masalimova was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, possession or drug paraphernalia and possession of illegal narcotics. Her bond was set at $1,500 and she was given a court date of April 8.

On March 24, at around 7:45 p.m., Sarah E. Skilbred, 17, of 26 Christy Hill Road, Ledyard, was driving a Ford Escape eastbound on Town Farm Road when police said she lost control of the vehicle on a curve and went off the right side of the road, striking a utility pole, and coming to rest in a wooded area.

Riding in the vehicle with Skilbred were four other teen-agers: Chelsea Fox, 18, of 5 Patricia Court; Kayleigh Paul, 17, of 4 Johnnie Court; Erin Thompson, 16, of 5 Conrad Court, and Remington Cardosa, 16, of 112 Gallup Hill Road.

All five occupants were transported by Ledyard Ambulance to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The impact damaged the utility pole, and the road remained closed while CL&P worked to replace it.

Ledyard Fire Company also responded to the scene. The accident remains open for further investigation. 

Also on March 24, police charged Jessica A. Bryant, 22, of 212 Prospect Street, Norwich, with two counts of sixth degree larceny. The charges stem from an incident at the Ledyard Mobil Station in December 2010. Bryant was given an April 8 court date.

On March 23, at 1:30 p.m., Ledyard police charged Patrick N. Murch, 26, of 228 Mistuxet Avenue, Mystic, with driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Police said Murch was found “half in his vehicle,” which was parked on Christy Hill Road in Gales Ferry. His bond was set at $500 and he was given an April 5 court date.