Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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10/18/2023

State Environmental Conservation Police Arrest Griswold Man for Armed Robbery

Arrest Stems from Investigation of an Incident at a State Boat Launch

(HARTFORD) — On October 13, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m. the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) State Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police took Davontae Fontaine, 21, of 133 Mathewson Street, Griswold, into custody at Troop E in Montville on an arrest warrant. The warrant stems from a lengthy investigation that started on May 17, 2023.

On the evening of May 17, 2023, State EnCon Police responded to a report of an armed robbery that occurred at the Quinebaug River State Boat Launch off Butts Bridge Road in the Town of Canterbury. Prior to the officer’s arrival, the suspect had allegedly fled the scene. Through an investigation it was determined that the suspect allegedly contacted the victim prior to the robbery to arrange to meet at the boat launch. Upon meeting at the boat launch the suspect allegedly, while in possession of a deadly instrument, assaulted the victim and stole $14 in cash from the victim. The suspect then allegedly stole the victim’s cell phone, destroyed it, and fled the scene.

Fontaine was charged with C.G.S. 53a-134(a)(2) Robbery, 1st Degree, C.G.S. 53a-61 Assault, 3rd Degree, C.G.S.  53a-117 Criminal Mischief, 3rd Degree, C.G.S. 53a-125b Larceny, 6th Degree, and C.G.S. 53a-181 Breach of Peace. Fontaine was released on a $25,000 surety bond to the custody of the Connecticut State Police Troop E for separate charges. Fontaine was arraigned on October 16, 2023, at Danielson Superior Court (GA-11). Assistance for this case was provided by the Division of Criminal Justice Inspectors and the Connecticut State Police.

DEEP’s State Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police, established in 1895, provides natural resource protection and public safety through education, outreach, and enforcement in the areas of fish and game, boating, commercial fishing, wildlife management, parks, and forests. They also provide general law enforcement services for all properties and facilities owned and managed by DEEP including state forests, state parks, wildlife management areas, and boating access areas.

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Contact

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DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110