On July 23, 2023, at approximately 11:00 pm ShotSpotter alerted to (16) rounds discharged within the 300 block of Orchard Street and another (4) rounds discharged within the 300 block of Spring St. A few minutes later the Bridgeport Police Emergency Operations Center received reports of a person shot in the ear within the 200 block of Orchard Street. Police and medics responded to the area and located an 8-year-old child suffering from an injury to his ear. The victim and his mother were transported to an area hospital where the 8-year-old child was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the ear. The mother was uninjured. Both were visiting family residing on the eastside of Bridgeport when they overheard multiple gunshots and realized the child was injured. The family was visiting from central NY state.
The Bridgeport Police Department’s Detective Bureau responded and took charge of the investigation. Chief of Police Roderick Porter has made it exceedingly clear that the Bridgeport Police Department will not tolerate gun violence in the community we serve. In early October 2023, Detective Jeff Holtz and Detective Keith Hanson became the lead investigators for this shooting. They promptly developed their first suspect. That suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Jayden I. Robertson of Bridgeport CT.
On October 12, 2023, Jayden I. Robertson was arrested by members of the Bridgeport Police Task Force in connection with a separate narcotics investigation on Orchard Street. That narcotics investigation came under the direct supervision of Bridgeport Police Sergeant Michael Paoletti. Robertson remains in custody with the CT Department of Corrections.
A habeas corpus petition was filed with the court on October 16, 2023. On October 17, 2023, Jayden I. Roberston was arrested and charged for the July 23, 2023, Orchard Street shooting of an 8-year-old child. The charges are Assault in the 1st Degree with a Firearm, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, Illegal Discharge of a Firearm, and Risk of Injury to a Child. Robertson was given a $200,000 bond and will be arraigned in Fairfield County Superior Court today.
This is an open/active investigation and additional arrests are expected. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the case officer, Homicide Detective Keith Hanson, at 203 581-5243.
#Bridgeport CT–I saw workers installing bollards around the building at State and West Avenue Thursday afternoon. The building has been hit a number of times in the last couple of years.
On October 15, 2023, Westport Police took 59-year-old Robert Matturro into custody in connection with a domestic violence incident that transpired earlier in the year. Matturro, a resident of Greenwich, CT, now faces charges of first-degree criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
The incident in question unfolded on the morning of May 9, 2023. According to the complainant, Matturro, identified as an ex-boyfriend, appeared uninvited at their residence. He allegedly began by banging on the front door and, upon receiving no response, proceeded to an unlocked back door through which he gained entry.
Once inside, the situation escalated. Despite the complainant’s repeated demands for him to depart, Matturro refused. An argument ensued, during which the complainant’s fear was heightened due to Matturro’s history of violence. Following the confrontation, Matturro left the premises, prompting the complainant to alert the authorities.
In the aftermath of the incident, Westport Police initiated a thorough investigation, eventually securing an arrest warrant for Matturro. The case progressed until October 15th, when Westport officers, responding to information from Greenwich Police Department, apprehended Matturro, who was being detained there.
Matturro was subsequently transported to Westport Police Department, where he was officially charged. After his arrest, he was released on a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled for a court appearance on October 16, 2023, at Stamford Superior Court to answer to the charges.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Westport Police to thoroughly investigate reports of domestic disturbances and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Their collaboration with other local law enforcement agencies, as demonstrated in Matturro’s arrest, is a testament to their dedication to upholding justice across jurisdictional lines.
WESTPORT, CT — On October 12, 2023, authorities apprehended Jaleesa Banner, a 34-year-old resident of Wilmington, DE, concluding a prolonged investigation into a shoplifting incident that occurred earlier this year.
The investigation was set into motion on July 26, 2023, when the Westport Police Department was alerted to a case of larceny at a local HomeGoods store. The report, initiated around 6:41 PM, came from the store’s loss prevention team, who had observed an instance of alleged shoplifting through video surveillance footage. Interestingly, the individual captured on camera in Westport was also seen returning the stolen items at a HomeGoods location in Stamford, establishing a pattern of behavior.
At the inception of the case, the suspect’s identity remained elusive. However, determined efforts by Westport detectives led to a breakthrough. By collaborating with neighboring police departments and distributing the surveillance footage, they were able to put a name to the suspect’s face. Jaleesa Banner was eventually identified as the person believed to be responsible for the thefts.
Following this identification, an arrest warrant was issued for Ms. Banner. In the early hours of October 12, at approximately 1:00 AM, the Connecticut State Police took her into custody and informed the Westport authorities of the development. She was subsequently transferred to the Westport Police Department.
Upon her arrival, Ms. Banner was formally charged with fifth-degree larceny, a serious allegation reflecting the nature of her purported activities. A court set her bond at $25,000, underlining the gravity of the charge.
Following her arrest, Jaleesa Banner faced the legal consequences of her actions. She was transported to Stamford Superior Court the next day, October 13, 2023, for her arraignment, marking the next phase in a case that combines diligent police work with inter-departmental collaboration.
The Westport Police Department’s commitment to resolving this case underscores their dedication to the safety and security of local businesses and the broader community. The apprehension of Ms. Banner serves as a strong reminder that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against such acts of theft and are prepared to utilize all resources at their disposal to ensure justice is served.
On October 6, an arrest was made in connection to the shots fired incident that occurred on July 11 in Saugatuck. The arrested individual is a 17-year-old juvenile from Stratford, who was already incarcerated at Manson Youth Institute due to a prior arrest by a different agency. The apprehension followed an extensive investigation conducted by the Detective Bureau, involving multiple interviews and search warrants. The charges brought against the juvenile include Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Endangerment 1st, Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment 1st, Breach of Peace, and Conspiracy to Commit Breach of Peace. A court appearance at Bridgeport Juvenile Court is scheduled for October 13, and it is anticipated that additional arrests may follow.
The incident on July 11, 2023, took place around 9:48 PM when the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received numerous 911 calls regarding shots fired in the vicinity of Saugatuck Avenue and Franklin Street. In response, patrol units were dispatched promptly to the scene. Initial investigations revealed that witnesses observed a nondescript white vehicle traveling north on Franklin Street, then north on Saugatuck Avenue, and subsequently turning west on Sunrise Road. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots being fired from the vehicle as it made the turn onto Sunrise Road. To facilitate the ongoing investigation, the Westport Police encourage residents in the area to review their surveillance cameras and report any suspicious activity they might have captured to the Westport Detective Bureau at (203) 341-6080, the tip line (203) 520-3831, or directly to Detective John Lauria at dlauria@westportct.gov.
Bridgeport News: Mayor Ganim and Chief Porter hosted a ceremony at Bridgeport City Hall City Council Chambers to swear in Bridgeport Police Academy’s 46th Basic Training Class. Chief Porter said he expects 18-20 to graduate from this class.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has proclaimed October 2023 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut in recognition of all Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace and in honor of their many accomplishments.
“Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the important role of workers with disabilities, past and present, and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “I am proud of the way that Connecticut has been a leader in protecting the rights of people with disabilities when it comes to employment issues, and particularly proud of the many businesses in our state that make every effort to include people of all abilities as valued members of their workforces.”
The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services provides vocational rehabilitation services designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, maintain, and advance in employment. In addition, the agency provides and coordinates aging and disability programs and services in the areas of education, independent living, accessibility, and advocacy. The agency kicked off the month early with a Disability Resource Fair at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on September 27, and will participate in various events throughout October. They include:
Blind Americans Equality Day on October 13, 2023, hosted by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind.
11th Annual Disability Resource Fair on October 20, 2023, at Oak Hill Hartford, hosted by public and private providers in the state.
Several training and informational presentations on disability employment and other services offered by the Department of Aging and Disability Services to individual employers and community partners.
“Disability Employment Awareness Month allows us to shine a spotlight on inclusive employment opportunities,” Amy Porter, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, said. “This year’s theme of ‘Advancing Access and Equity’ is at the heart of our department’s mission, and we are proud to walk alongside our partners in Governor Lamont’s administration and our Connecticut communities to continue this critical work.”
“Their determination, resilience, and unique perspectives are not only admirable but crucial in enhancing our social and work environments,” Jordan Scheff, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, said. “At DDS, we are committed to advocating for and facilitating supportive, equitable, and rewarding employment opportunities for all the individuals we support. Let us all champion an inclusive future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is given the platform to shine, contribute, and create their best life.”
“With 77,000 jobs available across industries and at all career levels, employers are working hard to recruit, hire, and retain new workers,” Danté Bartolomeo, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor, said. “We encourage all job seekers to reach out to an American Job Center for help finding a job that matches their interest and ability. Every employee brings a unique set of abilities to their job – it’s what makes our economy strong, diverse, and competitive.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a major milestone to advancing access and equity for individuals with disabilities which laid the foundation for the more comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination in any program or activity operated by recipients of federal funds, which includes state vocational rehabilitation funding. The Americans with Disabilities Act expanded to include transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government.
Assistance for jobseekers with disabilities is available virtually and in-person. For more information:
Visit the Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities at portal.ct.gov/ads.
Visit one of the he Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available at portal.ct.gov/ajc.
Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available at portal.ct.gov/cthires.
Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled frequently across the state. For a full schedule, visit portal.ct.gov/AJC/recruitmentevents.
2023-10-19@11:29am–#Fairfield CT– #cttraffic– A report of a three-car crash on I-95 northbound near exit 22, in the left and center lane. A separate rear-end crash happened among this so expect delays.
On October 5, 2023, the Norwalk Police Department’s Detective Bureau received a request for assistance from the Fugitive Task Force of the Prosecutor’s Office of Somerset County, New Jersey. Their request was related to the apprehension of a wanted fugitive within their jurisdiction. The Norwalk Detectives initiated an investigation into the case, focusing on the whereabouts of Juan Marales, who was sought for five active warrants. These warrants included charges for second-degree burglary, two counts of third-degree failure to register as a sex offender, second-degree endangering/abuse/neglect of a child, and third-degree aggravated assault on a Correctional/Sheriff’s Officer.
The Norwalk Detectives successfully tracked down Juan Marales to the Red Carpet Inn, located at 469 Westport Avenue. At this location, they apprehended him without any incidents or confrontations. The arrested individual, Juan Marales, is a 41-year-old with no permanent address, hailing from Edison, New Jersey. He was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice. A bond of $1,000,000 was set for his release, and his court date was scheduled for October 19, 2023.
Governor Ned Lamont responded to the release of Connecticut’s 2022 annual crime statistics report, emphasizing the state’s continued position as one of the safest in the nation. The report, compiled by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Crime Analysis Unit, presents data on crimes reported to law enforcement agencies in the state throughout the year. Governor Lamont acknowledged that while any instance of crime is unacceptable, the state has shown a decrease in violent and property crimes compared to the previous year, and the numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels. He emphasized the state’s commitment to implementing intelligent crime policies, enhancing gun safety, and providing support to vulnerable residents.
The annual report is created by the Crime Analysis Unit, offering the most comprehensive source of crime-related data in the state. Data from the latest report reveals a 4% reduction in overall crime between 2021 and 2022, including a 13% decrease in violent crime, a 13% reduction in homicides, and an 18% drop in robberies. Property crimes also saw a 3% reduction. Moreover, the report illustrates that over the past decade, Connecticut has experienced a 26% drop in overall crime, a 41% reduction in violent crime, and a 23% reduction in property crime.
In recent years, Connecticut has taken proactive measures to enhance public safety. The state police training academy has graduated hundreds of new state troopers, with additional troops in progress. Bipartisan legislation, initiated by Governor Lamont, focuses on reducing violent crime and gun violence by strengthening gun safety laws and taking measures to keep firearms out of the hands of high-risk individuals. The state has also adopted a public health and community-centered approach, with budget allocations for gun violence prevention programs, community violence intervention, housing vouchers, and additional support for crime victims and system-involved youth. Investments have been made in the court system, judicial personnel, and emergency services to further enhance public safety in Connecticut.
