Putnam Police Department

10/10/2026

****News Release****

On 10/09/2026 at approximately 11:00 PM, Putnam Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the area of 182 School Street.

Officers responded and located one individual with serious injuries lying on the sidewalk. Witnesses had started providing aid prior to police arrival.

Through on-scene investigation it was determined that the involved vehicle evaded the scene traveling westbound on School Street into the downtown area of Putnam.

Witnesses on scene described the motor vehicle as a white Seden. Physical evidence recovered at the scene suggests that the motor vehicle may be a Nissan sedan and is believed to have damage to the front-end, passenger side headlight and the passenger side mirror.

Putnam EMS responded to the scene and transported the 28-year-old female victim to Day Kimball Hospital for treatment. The Victim who was in stable condition, was subsequently transported by Lifestar to Hartford Hospital for further treatment.

Putnam Police Detective Unit responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. This investigation remains active and no further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident or witnesses are asked to contact Officer Le at (860) 928-6565. Tips can be made on our tip line at (860) 963-0000 or made through our web site at www.putnampolice.com.

09/30/2026

**News Release**

On September 29, 2026, at approximately 4:22 P.M., members of the Putnam Police Department’s Detective and Patrol Divisions, assisted by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), Cannabis Control Division, and the Department of Revenue Services (DRS), executed a Search and Seizure Warrant for the unlawful sale of cannabis at MJ Smoke Shop, located at 82 Providence Street, Putnam, Connecticut.

As a result of the warrant’s ex*****on, Putnam Police seized quantities of cannabis/cannabis products and Kratom that had been prepackaged for sale. Additional items seized during the investigation included packaging materials, scales, and U.S. currency.

The Search and Seizure Warrant was issued following a lengthy investigation conducted by the Putnam Police Department and initiated upon receiving complaints from concerned members of the Putnam community. The investigation remains active, and arrests are pending.

The Putnam Police Department encourages the public to report ongoing or suspected criminal activity by calling (860) 928-6565, using the Putnam Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at (860) 963-0000, or visiting the Police Department’s website www.putnampolice.com. All information will be kept confidential.

09/14/2026

****For Immediate Release****

Putnam Police Hires Veteran Police Officer

Chief Chris Ferace is pleased to announce that Officer John Paul Rimoczy has joined the Putnam Police Department as its newest officer. Officer Rimoczy was sworn in this afternoon during a brief ceremony held at the Putnam Municipal Complex joined by family, colleagues, and Putnam Officials. He joins the department through the POSTC comparative certification process following a distinguished 20-year career with the Providence, Rhode Island Police Department, where he retired earlier this month at the rank of Sergeant.

“Officer Rimoczy brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and leadership to our department,” Chief Ferace said. “His extensive background in patrol, investigations, training, and supervision will be a valuable asset to the Putnam Police Department and to the community we serve. We are pleased to welcome him to our team.”
Officer Rimoczy brings a broad background in law enforcement training, supervision, and investigative operations to his new role with the Putnam Police Department.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Connecticut. Throughout his tenure with the Providence Police Department, he served in several key assignments, including Field Training Officer, Narcotics Detective, Tactical Team Leader, Deputy Director of the Providence Police Academy, and most recently, Detective Sergeant assigned to the Internal Affairs Unit.

Officer Rimoczy is also an active member of the US Army Reserves and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Officer Rimoczy resides in Brooklyn, Connecticut, with his wife and two children. Following completion of his POSTC certification and department’s orientation training program, he will be assigned to the Patrol Division.

09/11/2026

For Immediate Release

On September 10, 2026, at approximately 5:10 p.m., the Putnam Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a gunshot fired inside a residence at 174 David Circle in Putnam, CT. The caller reported that no one was injured and that the individual who fired the shot was no longer in possession of the handgun which had been rendered safe. Officers arrived and took the accused into custody without incident and seized the handgun as evidence. The on-scene investigation by the Patrol and Detective Divisions determined that the accused, who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, was handling the fi***rm when it discharged. The bullet traveled through multiple rooms in the residence, which was occupied by three other adults.

ACCUSED: Russell J. Lyon, age 40
174 David Circle Putnam, CT

CHARGES: Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree CGS 53a-63
(3 Counts)


Unlawful Discharge of a Fi***rm CGS 53-203

Carrying a Fi***rm Under the Influence of Liquor/drugs
CGS 53-206d(a)

Disorderly Conduct CGS 53a-182

BOND: $50,000 cash/surety bond

Lyon was held on the cash/surety set bond for arraignment today at GA 11, Danielson Superior Court.

***All accused are innocent until proven guilty.

09/11/2026

09/03/2026

A huge Thankyou to Earl Rosebrooks and Jeff Bousquet!

FROM THE WINY RADIO NEWSROOM: FROM THE WINY RADIO NEWSROOM: LOCAL BUSINESSMEN DONATE GAS GRILLS TO FIRE AND POLICE: Earl Rosebrooks, owner of Fluid Coating Technology in Putnam and Jeff Bousquet, owner of Steve Bousquet's Appliance & TV in Danielson and Willimantic did something really nice today. “We decided to honor the
Putnam Fire Department and the Putnam Police Department with a couple new gas grills”, said Rosebrooks. “I appreciate what they do for our community and I think everyone realizes how much work they do behind the scenes and this is just a little gift of appreciation.”

Rosebrooks saw a need and took action. “I noticed that the last time I was down here the grill they had wasn’t exactly in the best shape, so I reached out to Jeff Bousquet and we came together to donate two really nice Weber grills and hopefully they will use them for a long time. It’s our way of saying thank you for their service and for what they do for our community.”

Putnam Fire Deparment Chief Bob Campbell is grateful for the donation. “Earl saw our grill in the back of the station and noticed it was kind of leaning like the Tower of Pisa. We had to scrap that one and Earl said he and Jeff wanted to show their appreciation by giving us a couple of grills to feed the guys. Sometimes we cook out after training or during an open house and we always have a cookout for the July 4th fireworks. Sometimes the guys come down and just want to hang out on a weekend and they can throw some burgers and dogs on the grill.”

Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace says today was a great day. “This is a really nice day for us. What a generous donation from Earl and Jeff. The guys like to cook on the grill sometimes during a shift or during a department lunch. We’ll cook on the grill and it’s always a moment of camaraderie amongst the troops where we can sit and break bread and enjoy some good food.”

Ferace also reflected on the timing of the donation. “Next week is the 25th anniversary of 9/11 when people were so grateful for our first-responders. This is a nice reminder and puts a stamp on our appreciation that they did this for us.”

Photo: WINY Radio: Left to right: Captain Justin Lussier, Jeff Bousquet, Chief Chris Ferace, Chief Bob Campbell, Earl Rosebrooks and Tommy Lindberg from Bousquet’s Appliance.

08/17/2026

Putnam Police Seeking Public's Help Identifying Larceny Suspects

The Putnam Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in identifying two individuals allegedly involved in a larceny that occurred during the afternoon of August 16, 2026, at the Antiques Marketplace, located at 109 Main Street, Putnam.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identities of the individuals is encouraged to contact K9 Officer Hicks of the Putnam Police Department at (860) 928-6565.

Tips may also be submitted through:

Tip Line: (860) 963-0000
Website: https://www.putnampolice.com

07/31/2026

Putnam Police Union Supports The Wall That Heals

This morning, the Putnam Police Union presented Putnam Mayor Barney Seney with a $500 donation in support of The Wall That Heals coming to Putnam. Officer Mark Boulanger, Union President and U.S. Army veteran, and Detective Donna Brown, U.S. Air Force veteran, presented the check to the mayor.

07/29/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY 🚧

Due to the Route 44 detour, the intersection of Sabin Street and Recreation Park Road is now operating as a three-way stop. Drivers are asked to slow down, use extra caution, and be prepared to stop when traveling through this area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as traffic patterns are adjusted during the detour.

07/08/2026

***News Release***

On July 7, 2026, the fifth and final arrest was made stemming from an August 24, 2025, investigation where a male victim reported that multiple individuals had entered his residence armed with handguns and assaulted him. Three adults and a juvenile had previously been arrested earlier this year for their respective roles in this incident.

The on scene investigation back in 2025 determined that the suspects, who were known to the victim, entered the home through an unlocked door, pointed pistols at both a male and female victim inside the residence and physically assaulted the male victim, who sustained minor injuries.

Following the lengthy investigation conducted by the Putnam Police, the Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for the accused’s arrest. Yesterday morning at approximately 0600 hours, the accused turned himself in at Police headquarters.

Accused: Gage N. Pietrowski, age 21
109 Cote Road Munson, MA

Charges: Threatening 1st Degree with a Fi***rm 53a-61aa(a)(3)
3 counts

Disorderly Conduct 53a-182(a)(1)

Bond: $500,000 Court Set

The accused was processed, held on bond and arraigned later in the day at GA 11 Danielson Superior Court.

*All accused are innocent until proven guilty.