Stonington police: 3 men used SUV to try to rip out ATM at pharmacy
Stonington — One man was arrested after he and two others unsuccessfully attempted to use a stolen Kia SUV to drag an ATM out of the Walgreen’s pharmacy on Route 1 in Pawcatuck early Tuesday morning, police say.
According to police, the three men pried open the door of the pharmacy in the Pawcatuck shopping center about 12:25 a.m. Then they wrapped one end of a steel cable around the ATM and attached the other end to the back seat of the SUV. When they tried to drive forward, they ripped the back seat out of the SUV.
At that point, police arrived on the scene and tried to block in the SUV, which drove over some curbs and sped off. Police did not pursue it, as their policy prohibits chasing suspects unless the need to immediately apprehend them outweighs the potential danger a pursuit might pose to the public, as in the case of serious crime such as a shooting or kidnapping.
Police put out a bulletin to area departments, and at 3:45 a.m., state police were able to apprehend one of the suspects when they crashed the Kia on Route 9 in Essex. The two other men then fled. Police are continuing to investigate.
Stonington police charged the man who was apprehended — Francisco Maldonado, 28, of New Britain — with third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, criminal attempt to commit third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief and third-degree larceny. He was released after posting a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear July 15 in New London Superior Court. —
Mystic — Peter Arvidson died suddenly at home Thursday, June 10, 2021.
The son of Stanley and Adeline (Fantone) Arvidson, he was born Dec. 10, 1945, in Glastonbury. He grew up in Stonington and remained in the Mystic and Stonington area his entire life. He attended Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, as well as Stonington High School, and served in the United States Navy.
Peter spent the majority of his work life in construction and industrial maintenance as a proud member of Laborers' International Union of North America Local 547. He worked with several different industrial contractors and suppliers, primarily at Millstone Power Station in Waterford. A “jack of all trades,” he was a skilled mechanic, carpenter, marine upholsterer and sailmaker. It was only fitting that as a younger man he also worked for some time as a commercial fisherman, as he had an affinity for all things related to the sea, and a great appreciation for the maritime history of Stonington Village.
Peter married Deborah “Miki” Ehlers on his birthday, Dec. 10, 1992, and they shared their life together until Miki's sudden passing in January of this year. An avid sailor and boater, he and Miki spent many of their happiest days together sailing or at Sandy Point Beach in Stonington, where he also spent much of his childhood. In earlier years, they could often be found touring southeastern Connecticut with friends on their motorcycle.
Peter is survived by one son, Eric Arvidson of New London, his wife Patricia Ferryman, and their three children, Ellen, Martin, and Adeline; stepdaughter Sarah Cox of Falmouth, Mass., her husband Kevin Kroeger and their daughter Isabel; stepson Joshua Cox of Smyrna, Ga., his wife Michelle Blanton and their children, Campbell and Emerson; nephew Andrew Cieslowski of Maryland; niece Amy Ricci also of Maryland; as well as his lifelong friends, Allan Wiehn, Allan Ferguson and Heather Mclaughlin, all of Mystic. Peter also leaves behind his faithful friend of many years, dog Petra.
He was predeceased by his wife Miki; and his sister Janet Cieslowski.
Peter's life will be commemorated with a private service at a later date. To honor his love of animals, donations may be made in Peter's memory to the Connecticut Humane Society.
“It is not that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better.” — Sir Francis Drake.