Fireworks Assault Case Goes to Mediation

The case against a Westport couple accused of assaulting a female Parks and Recreation employee who was directing post-fireworks traffic at Compo Beach will go to mediation, a judge has ruled.

According to a report on WestportNow.com, Judge Bruce Hudock granted Martin and Arlene Yolles’ request for mediation, which could lead to the charges against them being nullified, during their scheduled appearance in Norwalk Superior Court on Friday.

Martin Yolles, 68, and Arlene Yolles, 66, both of 24 Richmondville Ave., were arrested following the incident, which occurred following Westport’s fireworks show on July 1.

As per the , Arlene Yolles, a Ridgefield middle school math teacher, was charged with reckless driving after she allegedly bumped her car four times into the legs of Lauren Casey, 19, a Parks & Recreation employee who was directing traffic during the fireworks display. Casey was not injured in the incident.

In addition Martin Yolles was charged with breach of peace after he allegedly got out of the car, in which he was a passenger, and shoved Casey — apparently out of frustration because the Yolles’ felt Casey wasn’t doing a good job of directing traffic.

The Yolles’ were arrested after their car was stopped a short distance away, shortly after the incident took place.

Mediation means the case will essentially be settled out of court, providing the defendant, Casey, is satisfied with the result. In most mediation cases, apologies are made and restitution for damages is offered to the defendant(s), in exchange for which the charges are dropped.

The mediation process in the Yolles’ case is scheduled to begin August 11, according to the WestportNow report.