Westport Man Charged with Criminal Mischief After Damaging Police Cruiser

A 21-year-old Westport resident was taken into custody early Thursday after he allegedly threw a lighter at a police cruiser and caused damage to the hood. While driving past 1655 Post Road East a Westport police officer saw two individuals standing on the side of the road. As the cruiser passed the two individuals, the officer witnessed one of the individuals make a throwing motion and then heard something strike the vehicle, police said. The officer immediately stopped to speak with the two men, but they denied throwing anything at the patrol car. The officer noticed a fresh mark on the hood where the paint had been removed from an object striking it, according to a police report. A blue Bic lighter was located near the scene. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Interested in Westport's news, events, community bulletins, blogs and businesses? Sign up for the free Westport Patch daily newsletter, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. ________________________________________________________________________________________ The man later stated he threw a lighter at the vehicle, but did not mean to hit it. He told the officer he was "just trying to get the officer’s attention because he was upset and wanted a ride home," police said. Westport police charged Cody Ropiak, of 436 Riverside Avenue, with fourth-degree criminal mischief, according to an arrest report. He was released after posting $500 bond. He is due in Norwalk Superior Court on Dec. 18.