On 11/18/16 at approximately 3:30pm, Westport Officers observed a male, whom they immediately recognized to be Leroy Williams, panhandling on the I95 southbound exit 17 off ramp. Officers asked Williams to leave the area. Williams appeared to be complying with the request as he began to gather his belongings and walk from the exit ramp into the intersection of Saugatuck Avenue. Williams then stopped in the middle of the intersection and began screaming that the officers were racist. Williams was asked to get out of the roadway and he refused. The intersection was congested with traffic, and while Williams stood in the roadway, southbound traffic was unable to pass and northbound traffic had to swerve to avoid hitting him. Again, Williams was asked to get out of the roadway and he refused. Williams was finally advised that if he did not move, he would be arrested. Williams did not move out of the roadway, and continued to yell at the officers saying they were racist. Williams was taken into custody and charged with Disorderly Conduct and Reckless Use of the Highway by a Pedestrian. Williams was given a court date of 11/25/16 at Norwalk Superior Court. Williams was released after posting the $500.00 bond.

This news report is made possible by: