Month: August 2023

Norwalk News: Homicide Investigation

#Norwalk CT– On August 6, 2011, 22-year-old Rickita Smalls and 27-year-old Iroquois Alston, were shot and killed while sitting in a parked car on Avenue B. As we approach the twelfth anniversary of the
incident, the Norwalk Police Department would like to encourage anyone with information to
come forward. While we have no updates to share regarding this case, we are hoping that with
the increased reach of technology, and the continued offering of a $50,000 reward by the State of
Connecticut, we may obtain new information not previously garnered.


Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the Cold Case Unit of the Norwalk
Police Department at 203-854-3028 of 203-854-3011. Information can also be provided using
any of the methods below.

Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111

Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NORWALKPD” into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411)

Illegal Towing and Fraud Charges”

On August 1, 2023, a felony arrest warrant for Samuel Sauders (DOB June 1, 1978) was submitted and signed, by Superior Court Judge Reid, for the arrest of Samuel Saunders, DOB June 1, 1978.

The arrest warrant is stemming from multiple criminal complaints that originated on September 17, 2022. The complaints involved the illegal private towing of vehicles by a contracted tow operator for the Bridgeport Housing Authority, covering the Fireside Apartments and other properties.

On August 3, 2023, the Bridgeport Police Traffic Division contacted Samuel Saunders’ (DOB June 1, 1978) attorney and made him aware of the outstanding warrant. Samuel Saunders (DOB June 1, 1978) was notified of the outstanding warrant through his attorney and turned himself in at the Bridgeport Police Department.

Samuels Saunders (DOB June 1, 1978) was brought to booking, where he was served with the arrest warrant charging him with:

•       1 count of CSS: 53a-123 Larceny in the 2nd Degree

•       1 count of CGS: 53a-125a Larceny in the 5th Degree

•       1 count of CGS: 53a-293 Vendor Fraud In the 3rd Degree

•       1 count CGS: 14-66(a)(1) Operating without a Wrecker License

•       1 count CGS: 14-66(a)(3) Charging Excessive Wrecker Rates

Samuel Saunders’ (DOB June 1, 1978) bond was set at $20,000.

This investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with further information can contact Detective Timothy Leonard at 203-576-7640 or the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.

Groundwork Bridgeport Continues to Enhance Tree Coverage in the City of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT – Due to an application from Groundwork Bridgeport earlier this year, the City of Bridgeport has been selected as one of six small to mid-sized cities throughout the U.S. and Canada to participate in an initiative to highlight tree planting work within the City. The Equitable Development Data Insight Training Initiative team will provide personalized data analysis and storytelling training to Groundwork Bridgeport staff so that it can better communicate how trees can benefit the City’s residents.

Groundwork Bridgeport has been working hard to plant, inventory, and care for the trees in Bridgeport while running programs to educate residents on how to plant and care for trees. The organization also hosts events such as the Free Tree Giveaway, which will occur this Fall in the East Side neighborhood. Groundwork is hoping to expand these programs to increase the tree canopy, especially in areas of the city with the lowest number of trees.

“I’m grateful to Groundwork Bridgeport and the steps the organization has taken to increase the environmental health of our City,” Mayor Ganim stated. “With the initiative to plant more trees throughout Bridgeport, my hope is that our residents will feel more comfortable while outdoors, especially during the warmer seasons. This will greatly increase the health of our residents in all facets, and I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome of the new trees planted.”

Overall, Bridgeport has some of the lowest tree canopy coverage in the state, with some areas having only 9% coverage, compared to 67% for the state overall. When there aren’t enough trees, asphalt and concrete absorb and radiate heat which causes temperatures to be warmer on average than rural and suburban areas with more vegetation, less hard surfaces, and adequate tree coverage. This warming effect is known as the “urban heat island effect” and is an issue that areas of Bridgeport with fewer trees will continue to struggle with as temperatures continue to rise. Trees help reduce the urban heat island effect, enhance air and water quality, and help to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. Trees are especially important in addressing climate change’s impacts and resiliency. This work will help make Bridgeport more resilient and sustainable for the future. Groundwork and the City of Bridgeport are committed to increasing the tree canopy and will continue to build programs and services to improve the environment and quality of life for the community, while advocating for tree planting initiatives in the community.

Bobcat Sightings Surge in Westport

Bobcat sightings have been on the rise in Westport over the past few years, and the
presence of these cats has received renewed attention due to high-profile social media posts in recent
weeks. It is not surprising that these cats are cropping up in Westport since the cats have been
actively recolonizing this part of Fairfield Country over the past 10-15 years.
Bobcats are generally unobtrusive neighbors. They are very focused on finding prey, which
primarily consists of rodents like mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits. The cats will also
prey upon young or infirm deer. Bobcats avoid conflict with humans and pets, but could pose a
threat to small, unattended dogs, particularly if the dog were to chase the cat.
Our overall recommendation for pet owners is to provide close supervision of small pets. This
directive is primarily to address the potential threat from coyotes. As we know, dogs smaller than
35-40 pounds can be at risk from coyotes, particularly if the dog is older. Bobcats generally retreat
from encounters with dogs, but there is potential for a dangerous encounter if the cat is cornered.
Westport Animal Control has been receiving a higher volume of calls regarding coyote and bobcat
sightings in the last few weeks. This is a typical seasonal pattern. As we enter late summer, parent
coyotes and bobcats are leaving their denning areas. Several citizens have seen bobcat kittens and
coyote pups playing in their yards. These juvenile animals pose no threat to humans, and they will
gradually become more wary of people as they get older.
Any time you see a coyote or bobcat in your yard, it is advisable to keep your pets indoors for a few
hours, and then walk the dog on a lead when going out. Bobcats and Coyotes are typically covering a
fair amount of ground each day, and they will move on quickly.
The same hazing strategies used for coyotes (high-decibel Storm whistle or air-horn) are effective
for bobcats. If you are concerned about frequent sightings, or would like more information, feel free
to contact Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076.

Bridgeport News: Murphy Meets East End

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday met with members of the East End NRZ in Bridgeport to discuss their efforts to address the East End food desert by providing fresh vegetables to its 8,000 residents year-round, creating entrepreneurial opportunities to serve the regional fresh produce market, and supporting a healthier lifestyle for its community. The discussion will focus on the group’s successes since opening the market in 2019 and its plans to begin growing fresh vegetables in indoor growing environments in the community.

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