08/31/06                                

         STATE POLICE CONTINUE INVESTIGATION

      INTO STABBING OF OFF DUTY PROSPECT POLICE OFFICER

The Connecticut state Police Central District Major Crime Squad Detectives at Troop I in Bethany are continuing the investigation into an assault incident that occurred on Straitsville Road in Prospect on Saturday 08/26/06. This incident occurred at approximately 2:00am when an off-duty Part Time Prospect Constable STEVEN NOREIKA was stabbed after an altercation with another motorist.

State Police are looking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspect in this case.  He is described as a white male, late teens/early 20's, thin/medium build, with short dark hair, having a clean-cut appearance and who at the time of the incident was wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt.

The suspect's vehicle is described as a dark colored (blue or black) Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-door unknown registration plate in good condition. The vehicle was believed possibly headed towards Naugatuck after the incident. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

    State Police Detectives are asking from assistance from the public and are requesting that anyone with any information related to this investigation, please contact Major Crime Squad Detectives at Troop I at (203) 393-4200.  All calls will be kept in strictest confidence.

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M/Sgt. J. Paul Vance