Two Darien police officers arrested for unlawfully discharging their weapons

On Tuesday, Connecticut State Police announced the arrest of Daniel Ehret, 38, and James Martin, 4, both of Darien. On Tuesday, Connecticut State Police announced the arrest of Daniel Ehret, 38, and James Martin, 4, both of Darien. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Two Darien police officers arrested for unlawfully discharging their weapons 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

DARIEN — After a two-month investigation, two Darien police officers find themselves in State Police custody for allegedly an unlawful discharge of a weapon.

On Tuesday, Connecticut State Police announced the arrest of Daniel Ehret, 38, and James Martin, 41, both of Darien.

State police found evidence that an unoccupied vehicle, owned by Martin, parked in the driveway at his residence sustained numerous gunshots to the exterior of the vehicle.

Martin and Ehret were both held on a $5,000 bond and charged with reckless endangerment 2nd Degree, breach of peace 2nd Degree, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

“During the early morning hours of Saturday, August 1, 2015, I was notified that an investigation was underway in Darien regarding an incident involving two off-duty Darien police officers,” reads a statement released by Darien Police Chief Duane Lovello. “The incident included an allegation of a weapon being discharged outside of the single family home belonging to one of the off-duty officers involved. In order to maintain the highest level of investigative integrity, and to avoid any perception of impropriety, the Darien Police Department, after consulting with the State’s Attorney, did turn over full responsibility for the criminal investigation to the Connecticut State Police. That investigation has now resulted in the arrest by Connecticut State Police of Darien police officers James Martin and Daniel Ehret, both ten-year veterans of the Department. Both have been charged with Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree; Breach of Peace in the Second Degree; and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, all misdemeanor violations of Connecticut General Statutes. Our judicial system will prosecute those criminal charges.”

Stamford Superior Court signed both warrants and the suspects voluntarily turned themselves in at State Police Troop I - Bethany where they were processed. Both men are expected to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Oct. 19.

“The allegations leading to the arrests are disturbing,” the Chief’s statement continues. “I cannot conceive of anything that would lead police officers to do something so profoundly dangerous and wholly irresponsible. This conduct is intolerable and does not reflect the professional values or the ethical, responsible, and moral conduct we demand of Darien police officers and their duty to the public we serve. Public confidence in a law enforcement agency’s professionalism, integrity and professional ability are among the most important assets of a police department. Throughout its ninety-year history, the Darien Police Department has worked hard to earn and maintain that public confidence. We will do what is necessary to ensure that the public remains confident in the Darien Police Department’s ability to effectively deal with this crisis in a manner that reflects the very high standards that we as an organization demand and the public has every right to expect.”

According to Lovello , both officers were placed on administrative leave with pay on the day the incident occurred. A separate internal investigation will commence, and the findings of that investigation will form the basis of whatever disciplinary measures may be appropriate.