Police: Ordered to Leave, Man Confronts Officers and Gets Arrested

Police said a man refused to back off and leave an area in South Norwalk early Tuesday morning where a disorderly crowd had gathered, despite repeated warnings from officers that he could be arrested.

As a result, he became the first person to be arrested in Norwalk in 2013.

Police spokesman Lt. Praveen John said officers were called to 51 Chestnut St., in front of the King-Kennedy public housing project, at 1:29 a.m. on a report of 20 to 30 men fighting. The first officers to arrive reported no one was fighting, but a large group of men was dispersing.

One man who appeared to be highly intoxicated, John said, became enraged by the arrival of police and began yelling at the officers.

John said the officers repeatedly advised the man he would be arrested if he didn't leave. At some point, he said, the man began walking away, but then turned and took an "aggressive stance" against the officers with his fists clenched.

The officers approached him and after a struggle, John said, he was brought to the ground and handcuffed.

John said the man refused to identify himself and was not carrying ID, so throughout their reports of the incident, the officers referred to him as "the unidentified black male." He also refused to be photographed or fingerprinted.

However, some time after he was placed in a holding cell, police determined he is David Burden, 32, of 53 Hanford Pl., in Stamford, John said.

Burden was charged with breach of peace and interfering with officer. He was held on $5,000 bond and given a court date of Jan. 10.