By Justin Muszynski
The student who allegedly struck the fence around the Iwo Jima Memorial with his car has been charged with failure to drive in the proper lane and evading the scene of an accident.
Anthony Julbes, 21, of Stamford, was stopped by the Newington police after 1:00 a.m. Sept. 28 on Fenn Road after they observed major damage sustained to his 2007 Nissan Pathfinder. Julbes told police that he lost control of the car after coming off of Route 9, went over the curb and struck the fence gating the memorial and a light pole, according to the police report.
The report also says that Julbes did not contact police about the accident nor was he on his way to report it, and that he was headed back to CCSU when he was pulled over. Suspecting that Julbes may have been intoxicated, the police administered a standard field sobriety test, which he successfully passed.
Gary Roy, president of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association, says the foundation has contacted Julbes’ insurance company to get the funds for repairs. He says he has yet to hear back from them.
“It’s a terrible thing that happened for someone to hit the memorial and just take off like that,” said Roy. “Luckily there was an officer nearby or else we would have to pay for it ourselves.”
Julbes did not immediately reply for comment.
“This is the only survivor-built Iwo Jima memorial in the country so we get no money from the state or the town, just donations,” Roy said. “We’re hoping to get it repaired in time for Veteran’s Day.”
Julbes’ car was towed from the scene and he was released on a promise to appear in court. He has yet to be arraigned and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court Friday.
Justin Muszynski-The Recorder
The damage done to the fence surrounding the Iwo Jima Memorial just off Route 9.