2024-01-21@12:30pm–#Seymour CT– A report of 7 cars with flat tires due to a pothole on Route 8 near exit 22. State police are on the scene giving those with flats a DOT claim form.
Seymour News: Tire Eatin’ Pothole Route 8
Month: January 2024
Bridgeport News: Pedestrian Struck
Smash & Grab At The Trumbull Mall
2024-01-20 #Trumbull CT–A viewer sent in this video of a smash-and-grab at a kiosk at the Trumbull Mall on Main Street
Milford News: Robbery Arrest
On January 16, 2024, at approximately 6:40pm, officers responded to a Wilson Street residence for a report of a robbery with a firearm. The victim stated that they were robbed at gunpoint inside the residence by two males,
who were known to the victim. The suspects fled the residence in a white vehicle. A short time later, a responding officer spotted a vehicle matching the description and it was stopped on Schoolhouse Road.
Two juveniles in the vehicle were later identified as the suspects in the robbery. Narcotics were found in the vehicle.
During the investigation, it was learned that the firearm used in the robbery was dropped off at another Milford residence after the robbery. The Milford Police Department Detective Bureau began to enhance the
investigation and detectives drafted a search warrant for the suspected residence. Early this morning, a search warrant was executed, and a stolen .38 caliber loaded pistol was recovered. The firearm was found to be stolen
during a burglary in Vernon, Connecticut.
Both juveniles were charged with Robbery in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree. Their names are being withheld because of their age.
This investigation is continuing, and additional charges are pending.
OFFICIALS WARN AGAINST POTENTIAL GOVERNMENT IMPOSTER SCAM TARGETING CONNECTICUT BUSINESSES
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Commissioner of Banking Jorge Perez, and Commissioner of Consumer Protection Bryan T. Cafferelli today warned businesses to avoid an ongoing potential government imposter scam targeting Connecticut businesses. In this scheme, a company called CT UCC Statement Service, attempts to get businesses to pay $90 for a copy of a Uniform Commercial Code report. While the solicitation is designed to look like a government notice, this company has no affiliation with the State of Connecticut. In fact, UCC reports may be accessed for free via the Secretary of the State’s website at business.ct.gov.
A UCC financing statement is a form documenting that a creditor, such as a bank, has a lien on a borrower’s personal property. These forms are filed with the Secretary of the State and provide proof of the assets subject to the lien to other creditors.
While the company notes in small print that they are “not affiliated with any state or government agency” and that businesses are not required to use their services, such a disclaimer may not be sufficient.
“This company has zero affiliation with the State of Connecticut and there is no need to pay for their useless services. If you receive this letter, do not respond. If you have paid any money to this business, please file a complaint with my office,” said Attorney General Tong.
“Businesses should be on high alert to avoid becoming a target of scams, especially as we near the annual report filing deadline on March 31,” said Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. “Our business.ct.gov website can provide members of the public with access to many documents free of charge, including copies of UCC reports and liens.”
“It is important for businesses to keep an eye out for these types of scams. This company in particular, targets business entities that recently obtained a loan or other extension of credit. These mailed solicitations are misleading and deceptive as they attempt to charge a fee in exchange for obtaining documents that businesses can access at no cost. We advise businesses to carefully read any correspondence that appears to charge a fee in order to obtain any document(s) associated with a loan or other extension of credit. Before paying any type of fee, businesses should independently verify the company and contact the appropriate government agency with any concerns,” said Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez.
“Scammers pay attention to when filing deadlines for businesses are looming and then try to take advantage of a stressful and busy time for business owners by asking them to pay for services that are actually free,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Business owners should never give in to threatening letters, emails, or calls that encourage them to act immediately or face consequences. Those kinds of pressure tactics are almost always the signs of a scam. And if you’re unsure, you can do research online, or send an email or make a phone call to the correct agency to verify the notice you received is false before paying any money to a scammer.”
Government imposter scams can take many forms and can target individuals and businesses alike. Scammers may mail solicitations or send emails to businesses to “advise” them that they must purchase certain products or forms, or file particular reports in order to be in compliance with the law. The scammers then offer to assist businesses with satisfying these requirements in exchange for a fee.
Scammers are careful to design their mailings to resemble official government documents by incorporating elements such as seals, bar codes, and references to statutes and regulations. The mailings may include terms such as “IMPORTANT,” “OPEN IMMEDIATELY,” or “TIME SENSITIVE” to create a false sense of urgency. Businesses which fall prey to these tactics end up paying significant fees for services they either do not need, or could take care of themselves for much less money.
To report a scam or instance of fraud to the Office of the Attorney General, please file a complaint online here: https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint.
Route 8 Crash
2024-01-20@11:20am–#Shelton CT– #cttraffic–A crash at Route 8 southbound near exit 13.
Norwalk News: Ink-somnia
2024-01-19@9:39pm–#Norwalk CT– A 26 year old man passed out while receiving a tattoo at the tattoo shop in the 300 block of Westport Avenue.
Today’s 2nd Vehicle Fire
2024-01-19@7:14pm–#Derby CT– Route 34 near Camptown Street is closed due to a car fire.
Milford News: Arrest in Sexual Assault Case
On October 31, 2023, officers received a complaint that a juvenile had been sexually assaulted in the past. The Milford Police Department Detective Bureau began an investigation and John MacSweeney was developed as a suspect. Detective Gallagher submitted a warrant for his arrest, and it was issued by Milford Superior Court.
On January 15, 2023, MacSweeney came to the Milford Police Department and turned himself in for the arrest warrant.
John MacSweeney, 39, of the 500 block of Washington Avenue, Waterbury, was charged with
Sexual Assault 4th Degree (2 Counts) and Risk of Injury to a Minor (2 Counts). He was released on a Promise to Appear and is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on February 13, 2024.
Bridgeport News: Affinity Ribbon Cutting
Today, a ribbon was cut at Bridgeport’s first cannabis dispensary, Affinity Dispensary, located in the West End at 2000 Commerce Drive. This dispensary is one of four locations set to open throughout Bridgeport. Ray Pantalena, the operator of Affinity, has dubbed this privately-owned location a “superstore,” boasting an impressive 8,000 square feet, providing ample space to cater to both adult users and medical patients.
Due to its substantial size, Affinity Bridgeport has earned the distinction of being the largest dispensary in Connecticut. Moreover, it is anticipated to generate 50 new jobs. Additionally, the dispensary is committed to contributing 3% of its sales tax back into Bridgeport through the Cannabis Trust Fund, an initiative currently underway with the Bridgeport City Council.
This trust fund is poised to support various projects within the city, including collaboration with Bridgeport’s Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZ), funding youth programs, and addressing other quality of life issues within Bridgeport. Mayor Ganim expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I think it’s amazing that Affinity Dispensary has chosen Bridgeport for their second dispensary location. The level of community involvement committed by Affinity is greatly appreciated. With the creation of local jobs and the contributions to the Cannabis Trust Fund, Bridgeport stands to benefit significantly from the reinvestment in the community. We’re delighted to welcome Affinity Dispensary to Bridgeport and eagerly anticipate the positive impact this site will bring to our city.”
