Greenwich Police doing speeding enforcement stopped a car around 8:00pm on Aug 22. The officer said the vehicle was traveling on East Putnam Ave well above the posted speed limit and radar indicated the car was doing 62-63 in a posted 35 MPH zone.
Further, the car was in the lead of a pack of vehicles traveling behind it when the officer pulled out behind the vehicle and initiated a motor vehicle stop on Hillside Road.
When the officer approached the driver, identified as Rodrigo Vazquez, 19, of Port Chester, NY, there was a female passenger in the front seat. The officer requested the driver lower the rear window since it was darkly tinted and the officer wanted to ensure there were no other passengers.
When the window was lowered the officer spotted two stick like objects, identified as Winda brand “Roman Candles,” which are illegal to possess based on their characteristics of shooting aerial flaming balls.
With the exception of regulated fireworks displays by state licensed, professional pyrotechnicians at approved sites, sparklers and fountains are the only firework-related devices that may be sold and used in Connecticut, and only by those age 16 and older. Other devices are now allowed, including firecrackers, skyrockets, bottle rockets and Roman Candles.
Vazquez was charged with Speeding and Illegal Possession of Exploding Fireworks.
He was released on a promise to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Sept 3, 2024.