Two men were arrested in Norwalk after one of them reportedly responded to an eviction notice with an axe.
Norwalk Police say they encountered a group of people Monday morning when state marshals served eviction notices obtained by News 12 Connecticut to homeowners in Sylvester Court.
Norwalk Police Deputy Chief James Walsh said “a group of 15 to 20 people protesting the eviction, trespassing and obstructing” confronted the officers.
“We have lived here for 27 years. This is more than just another home for us,” said homeowner Andrew Pritchard, 59.
Pritchard first spoke to News 12 Connecticut about the eviction notice he received in May. said they were going to seize it.
“This is the level of experience that I have lost my entire company and everyone there,” said Pritchard.
Police say Pritchard and Roberto Porcio, 48, from Westport, were part of a group of people who interfered with police.
According to Porcio’s ex-wife, Porcio approached the police with an ax.
“He was a tree man and he had an axe. He was walking around the property trying to do some woodwork. The police stopped and thought he was going to beat him with the axe. They I think I tackled him,” said Porcio’s ex-wife Nikki Zeoli.
“The officers responded as professionally as they trained and were able to verbally defuse the situation with minimal force,” Walsh said.
Police said there were no injuries.
Pitchard said it was his right under the Connecticut Constitution to be tried by jury, but he was denied that right.
Porzio and Pritchard posted bail and were released. Two men he will appear in court within two weeks.