Dad uses 5-year-old daughter as shield in police standoff (Stamford, Connecticut)

Dad FRANK TROFOIT was apparently drunk and disorderly when somebody called the cops. Dad then grabbed his 5-year-old daughter to use as a human shield in the police standoff. Fortunately, the police were able to pull the girl away before they had to Tase Dad. Not a word about mom. Was dad "babysitting" while Mom was at work? Or did he have visitation/custody? The reporters seldom ask, so it's sometimes hard to find out.

http://thestamfordtimes.com/story/472683

Police: Father used daughter as human shield
Posted on 07/28/2009

By CHASE WRIGHT
Times Staff Writer

STAMFORD -- Police said they arrested a man who allegedly used his 5-year-old daughter to shield himself from officers after they responded to a drunken disturbance he caused.

The incident occurred Sunday at about 8:30 p.m., said Lt. Sean Cooney, Stamford police spokesman.

Officers responded to an apartment building at 50 Alvord Ln. to find Frank Trofoit, 44, of Unit 9 in the complex, hanging by the pool and heavily intoxicated, said Cooney.

Witnesses told police that Trofoit forced his daughter to do pushups for the amusement of the residents.

According to the report, Trofoit was proud of his daughter, who he said could do 40 pushups at the age of 5.

The disturbance escalated, however, when he approached a female neighbor laying by the pool in a bikini, said Cooney.

Trofoit allegedly threatened to photograph the woman with his cell phone and post a video of her in a bathing suit on the Internet file sharing network YouTube, he said.

When officers approached Trofoit he grabbed his daughter and proceeded to use her as a human shield, swinging her in the direction of officers as they tried to detain him.

Officers were able to pull the girl away safely before being forced to Taze Trofoit, who would not comply with their requests, said Cooney.

Trofoit was charged risk of injury to a minor, breach of peace and interfering with police.

He was held on $50,000 bond and appeared in court for arraignment Monday.

"The girl was OK," said Cooney. "But quite upset by the incident."