2023-08-11@6:22pm–#Fairfield CT– Police were called to a house alarm on Longfellow Avenue. There was nothing to the alarm but police did recognize a red stolen Honda CRV in a driveway. As police approached the car two men attempted to run on foot crossing busy Kings Highway East. Police were able to apprehend one of the suspects.
2023-08-11@6:19pm
Fairfield News: Car Getting Packed For Vacation Stolen
A car being packed to go on vacation was stolen on Spring Hill Road. The couple heard a bang and saw a black Audi in the driveway. Their Mercedes Benz was taken. The husband jumped in his Porsche to follow them. He eventually lost them but police were able to track the car via Mercedes Benz tracking to the Waterbury area.
Thank you, Lt. Paris, the Fairfield Police Public Affairs Officer for your professionalism in getting back to me on the recent news stories!
Loopholes in current statutes allow anyone – including felons, traffickers, & extremists – to manufacture or assemble untraceable firearms using a 3-D printer or do-it-yourself kit
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) led a group of 26 lawmakers including U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in reintroducing the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act, legislation to ban dangerous “ghost” guns. These weapons, which are easily assembled with a 3-D printer or a do-it-yourself gun making kit purchased from an unlicensed seller, can be obtained without passing a background check and have become the weapon of choice for criminals and extremists. Without a unique serial number, these guns are often untraceable and impede investigations by law enforcement. The bill would require online and other sellers of gun-making kits to comply with federal firearm safety regulations.
“Ghost guns are a major threat to public safety and law enforcement’s ability to protect our communities,” said Blumenthal. “Without serial numbers and readily available for anyone to assemble, these untraceable weapons are a convenient tool for those that hope to cause harm. Our measure closes the gaping loopholes that allow domestic abusers, criminals, and terrorists to bypass background checks. A homemade gun is still a gun. Subjecting these weapons to the same safety measures and requirements will save lives.”
“Gun violence has taken far too many lives and affected countless families around our nation,” said Espaillat. “Ghost guns are propelling this crisis, as these weapons are self-assembled, untraceable, and can allow criminals to evade firearm background checks. This has presented an ever-growing challenge for law enforcement agencies, as the number of ghost guns recovered at crime scenes has increased exponentially over the past few years alone. Our bill, the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act, would codify the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms’ (ATF’s) authority to regulate and track these deadly weapons. We cannot ignore the public health implications facing the country as a direct result of ghost guns and our bill would implement commonsense solutions to help combat this crisis.”
“Illegal, untraceable ghost guns make it easy for criminals to get their hands on dangerous weapons. It makes no sense why a gun assembly kit should be treated any differently than a gun bought from a store. This legislation would bring federal law up to speed with the latest technology and stop the proliferation of ghost guns in our communities,” said Murphy.
The use of “ghost” guns across the country has been dramatically increasing. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the number of “ghost” guns recovered and traced by law enforcement went from 1,629 in 2016 to 19,273 in 2021, a more than 1000% increase.
Specifically, the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act would permanently include the core building blocks of “ghost” guns– unfinished frames and receivers –in the definition of “firearm” under federal law. In doing so, online and other gun kit manufacturers and distributors selling frames and receivers that can “readily” be converted into fully functional weapons would be required to comply with the same federal regulations that govern the production and distribution of completed firearms.
It also includes a requirement that sellers have a manufacturer’s license and put a serial number on the frame or receiver included in each kit, and that purchasers undergo a background check.
The Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
In the House, the bill is also led by U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Brad Schneider (D-IL).
The legislation is endorsed by the Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, and Newtown Action Alliance.
“Untraceable ghost guns, which can be obtained with no background check and no questions asked, are a dream come true for violent criminals and a nightmare for law enforcement,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Ghost guns look like a gun, shoot like a gun, and kill like a gun, so they must be regulated like a gun. We’re thankful to Senate Democrats for introducing legislation to do just that and we urge the gun sense majority in Congress to pass the Untraceable Firearms Act.”
“In recent years, the rise of unregulated ghost guns has had devastating consequences in communities all over the country. These unserialized and untraceable firearms are designed to evade public safety laws – like background checks – which ensure firearms cannot be obtained by those who are not legally permitted to have them, including gun traffickers, those convicted of violent felonies and domestic violence abuse, and minors. We cannot afford to wait. We must act now to stop the spread of these dangerous weapons. Brady is grateful to Senator Blumenthal for reintroducing this common sense bill to bolster public safety and the well-being of our communities,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.
“Ghost guns can be obtained without a background check and intentionally lack serial numbers, meaning law enforcement has no clue where a gun came from when it is used in a crime. And with the gun lobby using the courts to block implementation and enforcement of the ATF’s rule regulating ghost guns, Congress must act to stop the alarming proliferation of these dangerous weapons. We applaud Senator Blumenthal for introducing the Untraceable Firearms Act to ensure that the key parts of ghost guns—the frame or receiver—are rightly regulated as firearms,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Federal Affairs Director at GIFFORDS.
“According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives federal crime report, the number of suspected ghost guns recovered by law enforcement and submitted to the bureau for tracing increased by more than 1,000% between 2017 and 2021. It’s time for Congress to keep our children and families safe by passing the Untraceable Firearms Act to ban ghost guns to prevent criminals, domestic abusers, mass shooters, & other dangerous individuals from assembling their own untraceable weapons without background check, serial number, or sale record”, said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Allia
Shooting Inside Bridgeport Hospital Goes UNREPORTED.
A viewer contacted me today about a shooting in Bridgeport Hospital: “Last night – August 10, 2023, at 630 pm. A 36-year-old woman entered the front lobby of Bridgeport Hospital as a visitor. She had a loaded gun which she was attempting to hide when she accidentally shot herself in the leg”.
Police confirmed this only after I asked them, they said: “Last night, in the area of the 200 block of Grant Street (Hospital) around 1902hrs a caller stated they heard one shot fired in the lobby of the hospital. Shortly after hospital staff states that someone shot themselves in the leg (non-life threatening. It appeared to be a self-inflecting gunshot wound. Arrestee: Yolonda Alvarez 12-5-86(DOB). Charged with breach of peace and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Bond set to $250.00. No photo available at this time”.
Apparently, we need to know about the crime for the officials to confirm or deny it. This will continue to happen if YOU let it.
Special thanks to our viewers who let us know about the shootout on Wood Avenue otherwise it would have gone unreported by the city officials.
Police said: “On August 10, 2023, at approximately 3:50 am ShotSpotter alerted to (29) rounds discharged near the intersection of Park Avene and Wood Avenue. ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system. Once gunshots are fired in an area covered by this service, police receive a notification within one minute directing them to the location of the gunfire. Officers responded to the area and located a crime scene but were unable to locate a victim. Area hospitals checked clear. Multiple items of value were collected and submitted into evidence.
At approximately 10:00 am a victim presented himself at a residence within the 1100 block of Park Avenue. The Bridgeport Police Department’s Detective Bureau has responded and taken charge of the investigation. The victim, identified as a 22-year-old Bridgeport man, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment. His injuries are reported to be non-life threatening.
Detectives conducted interviews, canvassed the area, and documented their investigation. The Bridgeport Police Department is asking for your help in solving this crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact the case officer, Detective Migdalia Ayala, at 203-581-5259. Citizens can also utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips line at 203 576-TIPS.”
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today announced plans to expand Connecticut’s free school meals program for the 2023-2024 school year, enabling more students to receive access to nutritious breakfast and lunch at no additional cost to them or their families.
Under the plan, $16 million of funding the state received from the American Rescue Plan Act will be invested into the program. Funds will be utilized to support the provision of meals at no cost in the following ways:
The investment results from collaborative advocacy between the Governor’s Office, the Connecticut State Department of Education, legislative leaders, and strategic school nutrition partners.
“This investment ensures that each student begins their day with a nourishing meal, fostering learning and growth,” Governor Lamont said. “Additionally, removing the family portion of the cost of lunch for students eligible for reduced-price meals means more money in their pockets for other essential needs. By ensuring access to nutritious meals, we empower our students to excel academically and in all facets of life.”
“I commend Governor Lamont and our legislative leaders for placing priority on the continuation of free breakfast and school-lunch subsidies for Connecticut’s students,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “Student health status, including physical health and student achievement, are directly connected. The research clearly shows that eating a nutritious and well-balanced breakfast improves concentration, alertness, and comprehension; results in fewer mistakes; assists with faster completion of math problems; results in better performance on standardized tests; and improves speed and memory on cognitive tests.”
Reimbursements to districts for meals served will be provided based on the approved eligibility status of each student – i.e., whether they quality for free, reduced-price, or paid meals.
#Norwalk CT–On June 19, 2023, at 5:47pm, Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a report of a carjacking at 580 Main Avenue. Arriving Patrol Division Officers located the victim, who had been shot in the leg during the incident. Officers rendered aid and the victim was transported to Norwalk Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle and suspect description were relayed to area police departments. A short time later the vehicle and the suspect were taken into custody on unrelated charges by the
Danbury Police Department.
Norwalk Police Detectives assumed the investigation and quickly determined that the suspect had entered the victim’s vehicle with a firearm and instructed the victim to drive. While driving, a struggle ensued and the suspect shot the victim in the leg. The victim was able to get out of the vehicle, at which time the suspect fled the area in her car. As a result of their investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Deonte Sayles. On August 9, 2023, detectives arrested Sayles at the Stamford Superior Court. Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact Detective Kougioumtzidis at (203) 854-3185 or by email nkougioumtzidis@norwalkct.gov.
Arrested: Deonte Sayles, 27, of Wood Avenue Bridgeport, CT.
Charges: Assault 1st, Robbery 1st, Criminal Possession of a Firearm
Bond: $750,000
2023-08-10 @12:42am–#Fairfield CT–If you left your wallet with drugs at Planet Fitness on Villa Avenue, the cleaning crew has found it and turned it over to the police.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman, and Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Alexandra Daum are recognizing Black-Owned Business Month, which is celebrated nationally each August. The commemoration provides an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience, innovation, and economic impact of Black-owned businesses in Connecticut and across the country.
“Our administration is proud to celebrate Black-Owned Business Month and acknowledge the many businesses across Connecticut that contribute to our communities and our economy,” Governor Lamont said. “By supporting small minority-owned businesses, we are strengthening our local economy and creating more job opportunities in our neighborhoods.”
“The Department of Administrative Services is committed to promoting inclusivity and economic growth by providing resources, services, and certifications to small and minority-owned businesses,” Commissioner Gilman said. “This month not only recognizes the economic contributions of Black-owned businesses but also highlights continued opportunities to expand our small business footprint across Connecticut. We encourage all small and minority owned businesses to become certified by our Supplier Diversity Team and learn about ways to contract with the State of Connecticut.”
“Black-owned businesses are a vital part of our economy for the jobs they create and the vibrancy they bring to our communities,” Commissioner Daum said. “In the past, many businesses – particularly small businesses – have had difficulties accessing resources to help them innovate and grow. The Lamont administration has taken a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue by investing in a number of grant and loan programs, including the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund, and strengthening the state’s business support network.”
“The Minority Construction Council is proud to recognize and celebrate Black-Owned Business Month,” Jennifer Little-Greer, executive director of the Minority Construction Council, said. “Throughout the year, MCC collaborates with Governor Lamont, DAS, and DECD to advocate, support, and create development opportunities for minority contractors throughout the State of Connecticut.”
During Black-Owned Business Month and throughout the year, it is essential to actively support and promote black-owned businesses in Connecticut. Here are a few ways to contribute:
The Procurement Division of the Department of Administrative Services manages the Supplier Diversity Program and offers other certification programs, technical assistance, and networking opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses. Small and minority-owned businesses economically benefit from certification with the state through government contracting and other private sector opportunities. Businesses that are interested in registering as small or minority-owned can do so through the Department of Administrative Service’s website.
2023-08-08@8:33pm–#Bridgeport CT– Today’s vehicle fire is being hosted by Bridgeport at North and Madison Avenue. The vehicle hit a utility pole and a traffic control box so expect possible delays or non-functioning traffic lights.
