Police Blotter: Road Rage Arrests

[Editor's note: This report was originally filed on Feb. 2, 2011. It was updated on Aug. 9, 2013 to reflect charges dropped against an individual.]

By Anthony Karge

The following arrest information was provided by the Westport Police Department. It does not indicate convictions.

A Westport man was arrested on Jan. 31 at 8:20 a.m. on a charge of breach of peace. According to the report, the suspect allegedly yelled at a female driver to move her car so that he could back out of a parking space. He opened her door while yelling at her. The man's bail was set at $500 and he is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Norwalk on Feb. 10.

David Gottchalk, 50, of Clinton Avenue, was arrested on Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m. after allegedly keying a vehicle. According to the report, Gottchalk was parked at 600 Post Road E. when another driver bumped his vehicle while opening their own door. Gottchalk reportedly responded by keying the vehicle and driving away. Police found him soon after and charged with third-degree criminal mischief and breach of peace. He was released on a promise to appear in state Superior Court on Feb. 11.

Barbara Joyce, 38, of Bridgeport, was arrested on Jan. 31 at 4:43 p.m. on two counts of first-degree failure to appear and one count of second-degree failure to appear. According to the report, turned herself in knowing there was a warrant for her arrest. It turned out she was also wanted by other courts for failing to appear. Joyce’s bail was set at $10,000 and she is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Norwalk on Feb. 11, Bridgeport on Feb 15 and New Haven on Feb. 16.