Month: January 2012
Crane Toppled In Stratford
Man charged in gruesome ax murder
East Haven Mayor: ‘I Might Have Tacos’ For Dinner
EAST HAVEN—Hours after four of his officers were arrested and charged with discriminating against Latinos, Mayor Joseph Maturo told a reporter Tuesday that he might go home and eat tacos. See full video remarks and read full story…..
SUSPECT IN MURDER OF WESTPORT JEWELER ARRESTED IN SPAIN
United States Attorney David B. Fein, Westport Police Chief Dale E. Call, Colonel Danny R. Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Marshal Joseph P. Faughnan today announced that ANDREW ROBERT LEVENE, also known as “Robert Thomas,” 41, was arrested yesterday in Spain on federal murder, robbery and firearm charges.
According to a federal criminal complaint filed in the District of Connecticut, it is alleged that on the evening of December 8, 2011, LEVENE met with the owner of YZ Manufacturers, LLC, (“Y.Z. Jewelers”) in Westport, Conn., pretending he was going to complete the purchase of several large diamonds he had arranged to buy earlier that month. Instead, LEVENE shot and killed the owner of Y.Z. Jewelers, shot and wounded the owner’s associate, stole approximately $300,000 in diamonds, and later fled the United States to Europe.
“I want to commend the Westport Police, Connecticut State Police, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania, New York and Spain for their expert, coordinated investigation that has led to the apprehension of this defendant,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.
“We are proud of the efforts of law enforcement officials on the local, state, federal and international level who all contributed to the investigation and apprehension of this suspect,” stated Westport Police Chief Call. “We hope that it brings some peace of mind to the victims’ families.”
According to court documents, it is alleged that in early December 2011, LEVENE contacted the owner of Y.Z. Jewelers, a diamond dealership located at 431 Post Road East in Westport, and asked the owner to locate several diamonds that were between two and three karats in size and valued between $45,000 and $75,000. On the evening of December 7, 2011, the owner of Y.Z. Jewelers and an associate met LEVENE at the dealership. LEVENE examined the diamonds but told the owner he would have to “sleep on it.”
It is further alleged that, on the morning of December 8, 2011, the owner of Y.Z. Jewelers called his associate to inform him that he had scheduled a meeting with LEVENE for later that evening and asked his associate to bring to Westport the diamonds previously viewed, as well as additional diamonds. When the associate arrived at the dealership that evening, the owner and LEVENE were already in the store. The owner then showed LEVENE six diamonds with a total value of approximately $300,000. After looking at the diamonds and conversing for several minutes, LEVENE took out a gun and shot the owner and his associate. LEVENE then took the diamonds and let himself out of the store.
After LEVENE left the store, the associate placed a 9-1-1 emergency call. The owner of Y.Z. Jewelers was transported to Norwalk Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His associate also was transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment.
On December 11, 2011, LEVENE allegedly flew from Philadelphia to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
LEVENE was arrested on January 23 by Spanish National Police.
The criminal complaint charges LEVENE with one count of interference with commerce through robbery, one count of federal murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of causing death through the use of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Westport Police Department, Connecticut State Police Detectives of the Western District Major Crime Squad, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The investigation has been assisted by the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk, the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit, the Pennsylvania State Police, the New York Police Department, Interpol Spain and Interpol, United States National Central Bureau in Washington, D.C.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Vanessa Richards.
Ten Asian Bistro Opens In Trumbull Mall Celebrates New Year
State Representative Tony Hwang served as master of ceremonies, and introduced four Asian Pacific cultural groups to an enthusiastic crowd gathered outside the Bistro in the Lord & Taylor courtyard. Leading off the celebration was a traditional Lion Dance, a part of the Chinese celebration to usher in the New Year. The acrobatic and entertaining dance display began a diverse array of artistic performances. This was followed by a dynamic display of martial arts skills by the Julong Wu Shu Martial Arts School, then six dazzling minutes of sheer energy and motion by the UConn Bhangra Punjabi Dancers. The performances ended with a lovely demonstration of the art of Polynesian hula dance by Tiare’ Kahana.
Rep Hwang said, “It was personally meaningful for me to organize this celebration and share with our community and neighbors the traditions of festival, feast and fellowship that greet the Lunar New Year. I take great pride in recognizing the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans in our community – and in presenting entertainment we hope helped our guests enjoy a bit of Asian Pacific tradition and culture
Owner/Chef Eric Xie explained that Ten Asian Bistro is a high fusion restaurant, that is they focus on high quality Asian bistro and sushi. The quality is very high but the pricing I found to be moderate. I ordered the Filet Mignon with shrimp and my daughter ordered lobster with shrimp, both considered high priced items at most restaurants. Each dish was a modest $21, they did not skimp on portion size. The four of us all walked away with doggie bags to enjoy the next day. My son is a sushi connoisseur and he
was in heaven. We all agreed we can’t wait to return for another great meal.
Bryan Gaus, Seninor General Manager at Trumbull Westfield Mall said this is the type of sit down style restaurant customers have been asking for. He said this is Westfield’s vision for future restaurants on the property.
Ten Asian Bistro is locate next the Lord & Taylor store in the Westfield Trumbull Mall.
Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Blaze in Bridgeport
Police Investigate Green Homes Shooting
Bridgeport’s 4th Homicide
Driver Escapes Fiery Crash in Fairfield
The driver of a single car accident on Black Rock Turnpike escaped his car in a fiery crash very early Monday morning approximately around 1am. The crash happened near the water treatment plant at the reservoir just before Hemlock Drive. EMTs from American Medical Response were already on scene treating the driver. Initial reports indicated there might be another victim involved in the crash. Assistant Fire Chief Scott Bisson told us that they used thermal image cameras to look for heat signatures against the snowy background to confirm there were no other parties involved. The DEEP and Aquarion were called to the scene for spilled gasoline at the reservoir. The driver was sent to St. Vincent’s Medical Center for evaluation. The fire department departed the scene at 3:45am.