On Monday September 25, 2023, at approximately 12:51 hours, Western District Major Crime Squad officers from Troop A were requested to respond to the area or 78 Bigelow Rd, In the Town of New Fairfield to assist the New Fairfield Police on a shots fired incident. Prior to the squad’s arrival State Police were Informed that three people were taken into custody by New Fairfield Police.
The three suspects were identified as:
New Fairfield resident Thomas Crapa, age 32;
New Fairfield resident Jose Sandoval, age 40;
New Fairfield resident Briana Dean, age 29.
Upon arrival, the State Police Detectives were informed that the three people detained by New Fairfield PD were involved in two separate violent incidents related to each other.
The first incident involved domestic violence between Jose Raul Sandoval , age 42, and an adult female, Briana Dean, age 29, which occurred at 20 Cloverleaf Drive in New Fairfield.
The second incident occurred in the area shortly after and involved another male party Thomas Crapa age 32.
Troop A Western District Major Crime Squad Detectives then assumed investigative responsibilities for both incidents.
The incident leading to the three arrests began when Jose Sandoval and Thomas Crapa both met at an intersection. At this point, Sandoval then left his vehicle and approached Crapa and Dean, his passenger, while carrying a machete, state police said.
Following the altercation at the intersection with Crapa, Sandoval was treated and released on scene by New Fairfield EMS. He was later charged in both the domestic violence and road rage incidents. His charges included:
- Third-degree assault of a pregnant person;
- Second-degree assault with a motor vehicle;
- Carrying a dangerous weapon;
- Second-degree breach of peace.
He was held on a combined $275,000 bond.
Crapa was also arrested and charged with second-degree assault with a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment, and first-degree assault, among other charges. He was held on a $1 million bond.
Crapa's passenger, Brianna Dean, was later arrested after telling troopers that she did not have any weapons or guns concealed on her person or in her purse. A search eventually revealed that she had been carrying two handguns in her purse with high-capacity magazines, police said.
Brianna Dean was then taken to Southbury Police headquarters, where officers allegedly found several narcotics and drug paraphernalia on her person. She was later charged with the illegal sale or purchase of a large-capacity magazine, interfering with an officer, and possession of a controlled substance, in addition to other charges.
Dean was held on a $500,000 bond.