According to Westbrook police, the traffic congestion caused Friday morning on Route 302 in Westbrook was caused by a woman dancing in the busy roadway and her companion threatening to kill police as well as himself.
Shortly before 10 a.m., Westbrook Public Safety Dispatch took several calls from motorists reporting a woman dancing in the roadway and stopping traffic in the area of 156 Bridgton Road (Route 302), according to Westbrook police Capt. Michael Nugent. Officers responded and observed 48-year-old Louise L. Dorazio, of Westbrook, in the roadway and warned her for obstructing a public way.
Then, at about 10:40 a.m., officers returned to find Dorazio back in the roadway at which point she was taken into custody.
Dorazio’s companion, 49-year-old Richard S. Brichetto, also of Westbrook, attempted to interfere with the officers and then retreated into the residence, Nugent said. He reappeared outside a moment later with what appeared to be a black, semi-automatic handgun, threatened the officers and again retreated into the residence. (Upon a search of the property after the incident, the gun was later determined to be a realistic-looking BB pistol.) A moment later he emerged onto the roof of the residence holding a knife to his throat and encouraging officers to shoot him, Nugent said.
The major commuter route was closed between East Bridge Street and Pride Street while officers negotiated with him. Brichetto eventually climbed down onto the residence’s rear porch where an officer deployed his Taser and he was taken into custody. He was transported by Westbrook Rescue for treatment, Nugent said.
Dorazio was charged with obstructing a public way, refusing to submit to arrest and violation of conditional release. Brichetto was charged with criminal threatening and creating a police standoff. The matter remains under investigation, Nugent said.
Westbrook police responded to this house on Route 302 in Westbrook on Friday morning. Police have not yet disclosed what occurred at the home.
Louise J. Dorazio
Richard S. Brichetto
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