Firefighters, Police Attacked By Bonfire Mob In East Haven: PD

EAST HAVEN, CT —East Haven firefighters trying to put out an illegal bonfire on Bradford Avenue Monday were attacked by people at the bonfire with ice balls, snow balls and soon, other objects with one person threatening a "riot" if firefighters and police did not leave, East Haven Police Department Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said Tuesday.

Murgo said that police were called to help East Haven firefighters with a large crowd burning a large illegal bonfire.

One 911 call had a person reporting the fire was seven feet high and people there were throwing liquor bottles into the blaze.

The people at the fire were hurling ice balls at firefighters, and soon, Murgo said, "With tensions escalating, the crowd began to throw other items at the Fire Department as well as more items into the large fire."

Police began speaking to Glen Degray, 56, of East Haven, when the crowd, gathered in the backyard of the residence, began to throw snow, ice, and yell at officers. A large piece of ice, which was thrown from the crowd, struck a police cruiser with several people standing near it. While speaking with officers, Degray threatened to start a riot if the police didn’t leave," Murgo said.

"With the crowd growing increasingly hostile, additional units from surrounding agencies were requested," Murgo said adding that the Branford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and New Haven Police Departments came to help.

As officers were trying to control the crowd, Murgo said Michael Ciarleglio, 33, approached officers from behind and ignored police commands to "get back, Ciarleglio lunged at an officer, pushing him out of the way, in an attempt to lunge at another officer who had just arrived on scene."

Murgo said as police were taking Ciarleglio into custody, "the crowd began hopping the fence to advance towards the officers while continuing to throw objects."

An East Haven police officer was struck in the head with a heavy backpack filled with various items, Murgo said, but was not injured. He said police "were forced to deploy OC spray in an effort to keep the crowd back while attempting to make an arrest."

Degray was charged with inciting a riot and second-degree breach of peace. Ciarleglio of Wallingford was charged with second-degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer.

Ciarleglio and Degray were released on $2,500 bail.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire.