Month: July 2023

TOWN OF STRATFORD INITIATES COOLING CENTER PROTOCOL DUE TO EXTREME WARM WEATHER ADVISORY 

STRATFORD, CT – Mayor Hoydick is advising residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact over the next several days. Due to receiving an Extreme Warm Weather Advisory notice from the State of Connecticut, the Town of Stratford has initiated its Cooling Center protocol. This protocol is enacted from 2 PM Wednesday July 5th to 5 PM Friday July 7th, 2023. 

For Overnight and long-term sheltering residents need to contact the 221 System by dialing 211. All cooling centers will be posted and updated under the State of Connecticut WEBEOC website. 

Stratford Center Availability:
Birdseye Municipal Complex
468 Birdseye Street
M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Stratford Library
2203 Main Street
M-Thru 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
F-Sat 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sun 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Stratford YMCA
3045 Main Street
M-Thru 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
F 5:30 am to 8:00 pm
Sat 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
– Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
– Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
– Take cool showers or baths.
– Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
– Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
– Drink more water than usual. 

Stratford News: KIDNAPPING ARREST

On Wednesday July 5, 2023, at 12:23pm, Norwalk Police Combined Dispatch received a complaint
that Enrique Rivas-Castillo had threatened to the complainant via phone. Investigating Patrol
Division Officers learned that on July 3, 2023, Rivas-Castillo was at the victim’s residence in Norwalk
and threatened to assault the victim. The victim ran out of the home, but Rivas-Castillo chased the
victim, eventually grabbing the victim and pulling the victim into his vehicle. He drove the victim
onto I-95 and eventually an unknown exit, driving onto a dead-end street where he began punching
the victim. The victim was able to escape, but he grabbed the victim, striking and slamming victim’s
face on the ground. Rivas-Castillo then dragged the victim back to the car, and then drove to his

home in Ansonia. The victim reported being drugged and awoke on July 4, 2023, where Rivas-
Castillo assaulted the victim again. The victim escaped again and was able to return home. Rivas-
Castillo was arrested by Ansonia Police for the incident in Ansonia.

While the victim was safe at the Norwalk Police Department, Officers received information that
Rivas-Castillo was in Norwalk looking for the victim. Patrol Division Officers immediately began
searching for Rivas-Castillo. He was quickly located driving however when officers attempted to
stop him, he led police on a pursuit through South Norwalk and onto Interstate 95 eastbound.
Rivas-Castillo exited I-95 in Westport but then drove back onto the highway westbound. The pursuit
ended in Stamford after he struck multiple police cars. He then fled his vehicle, jumping off the I-95
overpass near exit 6. He was quickly taken into custody with the help of the Stamford Police
Department. He was transported to Stamford Hospital for evaluation. Once he was released, he
was transported back to the Norwalk Police Department where he was charged with numerous
crimes.
Arrested: Enrique Rivas-Castillo, 23, of 112 Central St., Ansonia, CT.
Charges: Kidnapping 2nd, Unlawful Restraint 1st, Threatening 2nd, Violation of Conditions of Release,
Interfering/Resisting Arrest, Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession with Intent to Sell Hallucinogenic
Substances, Reckless Driving, Engaging Police in Pursuit
Total Bond: $1,000,000

Westport Heat Alert

Westport Fire is alerting the public of the challenging weather conditions expected for the upcoming days. Summertime heat and humidity, combined with smoke from the Canadian wildfires, will create discomfort for our community. Highs are forecasted to exceed 90°F each day, with potential impacts on air quality for vulnerable populations.

Today and Thursday will be the hottest days, with temperatures in the low 90s and a heat index in the mid-90s. Friday will see slight improvement, with temperatures in the upper 80s and a heat index in the low 90s. Acting Fire Chief Nick Marsan emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions during this extreme weather period. “With high heat, humidity, and smoky air, it is crucial that everyone protects themselves and loved ones. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities,” explained Marsan.

Individuals should recognize signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Children, adults 65 and older, those without access to air conditioning, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable.

Tips to stay healthy and comfortable during high heat and humidity:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Avoid excessive caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

2. Seek shade and limit outdoor activities: Take breaks, pace yourself, and stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

3. Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

4. Check on vulnerable individuals: Monitor the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing conditions. Ensure access to a cool environment.

The Governor has activated an extreme hot weather protocol for our area. “We want to remind everyone – particularly those in the most vulnerable communities – that cooling centers are available and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org” Governor Lamont said.

Cooling Centers for those in need:

Westport Weston YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane

5:30am – 9:00pm 7/5, 7/6, 7/7

Cooling Center and showers

MoCa Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike

12:00pm – 4:00pm 7/6, 7/7

Free entry

Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue

8:30am – 4:30pm 7/5, 7/6, 7/7

The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road

9:00am – 9:00pm 7/5, 7/6, 7/7

Connecticut State Police Final July 4th Stats


2023 Independence Day Weekend Enforcement Stats
(6:00 p.m. June 29 through 11:59 p.m. July 4):

Calls for Service: 7,312
TOTAL VIOLATIONS(to include unsafe lane change,
Following Too Closely
Cell Phone, Texting, Speeding, Seatbelt, etc.) : 835
SPEEDING: 485
SEATBELT: 18
DUI Arrests: 43
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 489
With injury: 49 (2 Serious: Stamford and Manchester)
Fatalities: 4 (Greenwich, North Canaan, Westbrook and Harwinton)

State Police Stats

The stats are reflective of the time period starting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023 to 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July, 4, 2023.

Calls for Service: 6,186

Motor Assists: 275

Motor Vehicle Accidents: 411 Serious Injury (Stamford) Fatal: 1 (Greenwich, North Canaan)

DUI: 34

Speeding: 422 Citations

Citations (seatbelts, unsafe lane change, distracted driving, etc.): 730

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