Police Chief: NCPD Could Start Ticketing Parents for Kids’ Misuse of E-Bikes

If the problem of young people riding e-bikes recklessly downtown persists, police may start ticketing their parents, according to Chief John DiFederico. Asked about the proliferation and misuse of the motorized vehicles in New Canaan, specifically in the downtown area, DiFederico pointed to a state statute regarding the operation of e-bikes and electric foot scooters. It allows towns to create their own ordinances regarding the vehicles, including “penalties” for violations, as well as provisions requiring annual licensing. “The statute for bikes and bike rules in general— not just e-bikes—allows for a parent or guardian to be held accountable for their children who are operating a bike illegally: riding on sidewalks, going the wrong way, not obeying traffic laws,” DiFederico told NewCanaanite.com. “So we are exploring that.

NCPD

New Canaan Police ID Harassing Phone Caller

New Canaan Police on Wednesday recognized officers who took part in resolving a harassment case. 

In November of 2023, Officer Jake Somma took a complaint regarding harassing phone calls, according to Police Chief John DiFederico. The phone calls had gone on for more than six months and the number was blocked, making it “difficult to identify the caller,” the chief told members of the Police Commission during their regular meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference. “But Officer Somma and Sgt. [George] Caponera did a thorough investigation,” he said. “They were able to narrow the list down of the possible numbers and they were able to identify the caller as a former friend of the complainant.”

The update came as DiFederico shared a letter of appreciation from the complainant recognizing the officers’ help.

After Complaints, Police To Look Again at Parking for Officers Downtown

Following complaints from residents, New Canaan Police officers will try to avoid parking on Locust Avenue while working out of temporary headquarters downtown, officials say. The New Canaan Police Department in November moved into 39 Locust Ave.—the former Board of Education offices at the corner of Forest Street—while the station on South Avenue undergoes an extensive renovation, a project that’s expected to take about two years. During a Board of Selectmen meeting last week, officials flagged an emerging issue where residents are complaining about Locust parking taken up by police officers. “I know it’s a learning curve over there,” Selectman Steve Karl said to Police Chief John DiFederico during the Jan. 4 meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference.