UPDATE: Bridgeport Police Department said one individual sustained a superficial graze wound. The responsible party is not present at the scene. The victim is currently being transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There is an ongoing police investigation.
2024-03-26@6:15PMish–#Bridgeport CT– Shots fired on Pequonnock Street. Witnesses said 5-6 shots were fired. No reports of anyone or anything hit.
Transnational criminal organizations targeting Americans in complex investment scams,
older Connecticut residents at increased risk.
(MIDDLETOWN CT – March 26, 2024) – According to the FBI’s Internet Crimes
Complaint Center (IC3), cryptocurrency investment fraud grew more than 53% in 2023 to
approximately $4.5 billion. But it may be far worse, as a recent study suggests that the total since
2021 may actually be $75 billion.
What is causing this loss? Law enforcement has identified this scam as “pig butchering.”
In pig butchering investment scams, also known as sha zhu pan (杀猪盘) in Chinese, the
fraudster initially contacts the victim through dating apps, social media, or professional
networking platforms. They build trust with the victim over several weeks or months, often
feigning romantic interest or establishing a friendly rapport. Once the victim is emotionally
invested, the scammer claims to have insider knowledge of a lucrative investment opportunity
such as cryptocurrency, foreign exchange trading, or a new venture, and persuades the victim to
invest.
The scammer may direct the victim to a fraudulent trading platform or app, which
appears to show impressive returns on their investment. Encouraged by these fake profits, the
victim is lured into investing more money. However, when the victim attempts to withdraw their
funds, they discover that the platform is a sham and their money is lost.
The term “pig butchering” refers to the scammer’s practice of “fattening up” the victim
with promises of wealth before “slaughtering” them by stealing their money. It is crucial for the
public to be aware of these scams, to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice from online
acquaintances, and to thoroughly research any investment opportunity before committing funds.
Law enforcement notes that many scammers are themselves victims of human trafficking,
forced to endure appalling working and living conditions. This fact does not justify their actions,
but serves as a significant reminder of the pervasiveness and reach of these transnational
organized crime syndicates.
In 2023, the Cryptocurrency Working Group of the Connecticut State Police succeeded in
recovering nearly $4 million in assets for Connecticut victims, though this is a small number in
comparison to the total losses. The State Police continue to collaborate with local, state, and
federal partners, as well as stakeholders from industry, to investigate scams.
Warning Signs to Avoid Being Scammed
To prevent pig butchering investment scams, several common warning signs should raise
red flags for residents:
Older adults, particularly those who have accumulated significant savings or have access
to retirement funds, should be extra vigilant when it comes to potential investment opportunities
presented by new acquaintances. Scammers often target older individuals, perceiving them as
having more disposable income and potentially being less familiar with online investment
platforms or current scam tactics.
A 2021 study by AARP found over 56% of victims were over the age of 50 years old with
a median loss of $3,000.
Where to Report an Incident
The State Police also warn victims to avoid or carefully scrutinize the use of third-party
cryptocurrency tracing services who require hefty downpayments or a percentage of “recovered”
assets. The companies claim to have the ability to recover stolen cryptocurrency when in fact
they have no legal jurisdiction or authority to freeze or seize assets, only law enforcement does
through the judicial process.
CT residents are encouraged to report any suspected incidents of fraud to their local
police or State Police barracks. The State Police have also established an email specific to
cryptocurrency related crimes: CSP.virtualcurrency@ct.gov. We also recommend that a report
be filed at FBI’s www.IC3.gov
2024-03-26@ 4:01pm #Bridgeport CT–A one-car rollover on Mill Hill Avenue in front of Bridgeport Hospital ER
Report of a motor vehicle accident on Route 8 by exit 5 Northbound
The Stratford Library has announced that it will offer its patrons the opportunity to enter and win one of two state-wide gift card prizes. To celebrate “National Library Week” during April, participants can let their library card open the doors of over 100 Connecticut libraries by participating in the month-long Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program. Sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association, the program invites residents of all ages to explore the amazing diversity of public libraries.
Every participating library will offer a passport to their patrons (one for adults and one for children under 18) as well as a small gift upon sign-up. The patron will then visit at least five participating libraries during the month of April, having the passport stamped once at each library. Completed passports will be turned in to the Stratford Library by May 10, 2024 where it will be sent to Woodbridge Library for final drawings for winners. Winners, who will be awarded a $200 Visa gift card, need not be present to win.
For further information about the Passport to Connecticut Libraries program and a full list of participating libraries, call the Adult Services Department of the Stratford Library at 203.385.4164.
If you want to look more into this, we had Senator Tony Hwang on On Patrol Live last Sunday where he talked about this pressing issue:
Fairfield, CT, March 26, 2024--The Town of Fairfield has officially filed an appeal in Superior
Court challenging the legality of the Connecticut Siting Council’s decision dated February 16,
2024, granting United Illuminating (UI) a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public
Need for the construction of overhead transmission lines along a new route to the north side of
Metro-North train tracks, entitled the “Hannon-Morissette Alternative.” The appeal comes after
months of Siting Council hearings where the Town and other impacted intervenors repeatedly
raised concerns about UI’s plan to install massive monopoles on the south side of the Metro
North train tracks and challenged whether there was any need at all for this project.
Throughout the proceedings in Docket 516, the Town argued that UI’s southern overhead design
would have caused devastating impacts to the environment and precious religious, cultural,
historic and scenic resources in the Town of Fairfield. The Town’s arguments prevailed before
the Siting Council, as not one Council member voted in favor of UI’s southern overhead design.
However, on February 16, the Council instead approved the Hannon-Morissette Alternative, a
double-circuit overhead route to the north side of the tracks. The Council approved this route
even though UI never presented a design for that option, and even though UI stated that siting its
transmission lines to the north was not viable.
The Town’s appeal raises two main arguments. First, the Town argues that the Siting Council
violated its statutory obligation to balance the supposed need for the project with the
environmental impact of a route to the north of the railroad tracks. Indeed, UI never submitted
any evidence of impacts on the properties abutting the north of the tracks, thereby making it
impossible for the Council to engage in this required balancing. Second, the Town argues that
the Siting Council violated due process as none of the abutters on the north side of the railroad
tracks had any notice of the Hannon-Morissette Alternative, and therefore were deprived of the
ability to exercise their right to participate in the hearing and contest this potential route. The
Town was also denied its due process rights to contest the merits of the Hannon-Morissette
Alternative, as UI never presented a design for this route to the Council. The Town asks the
Court to render a judgment vacating the Council’s decision.Because UI never submitted a design of the Hannon-Morissette Alternative, the Town has no
information as to what the pole heights will be, where they will be located, and what the
potential impact will be to property owners on the north side of the tracks, including whether UI
would require permanent easements over private and Town-owned property.
“We believe that the Siting Council has failed to meet its obligation to satisfy the requirement to
balance the alleged public need with the environmental impact, and has done a disservice to our
residents,” First Selectman William Gerber said. “There was never any prior notice to any of the
abutting property owners to the north of the Metro-North Railroad tracks that UI may be
constructing new transmission lines to the north, nor did UI provide any evidence of the impacts
of this route, including whether property owners may now be facing permanent easements. This
is a blatant due process violation.”
He continued, “We are committed to fight for the rights of our community. Ratepayers as well as
residents have a right to understand and weigh in on the impacts of potentially having new giant
monopoles erected in their backyards.”
The Town of Fairfield remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the rights of its residents.
2024-03-26@1:44pm–#Ansonia CT– First responders on the way to Bob’s Stores at 409 Main
Street for a man who had something “fall and penetrate his shoe into his foot”.
Fairfield, CT – Over the past few days, Fairfield has experienced a series of criminal incidents, prompting investigations by the local police department.
On March 23, 2024, at approximately 7:33 PM, a reported theft occurred outside Riko’s Thin Crust Pizza located at 1920 Black Rock Turnpike. An individual attempting to sell a personal item met purported buyers, leading to a physical altercation resulting in minor injuries to the victim. The Fairfield Police Department is actively investigating this incident and urges anyone with relevant information to contact Detectives at 203-254-4840.
On March 24, 2024, at 03:23 AM, officers responded to an alarm activation at Mohegan Smoke Shop, situated at 525 Tunxis Hill Cutoff. Upon arrival, significant damage to the storefront was discovered, caused by a vehicle backing through the entrance to facilitate a break-in. Surveillance footage revealed two individuals entering the store and absconding with various items. Although the vehicle was found unoccupied, the investigation into this incident is ongoing. Individuals with information or relevant video footage are urged to contact Detectives at 203-254-4840.
Another burglary was reported on March 24, 2024, at 06:17 AM, at the Gulf Express Swift Mart located at 738 Brooklawn Avenue. It was determined that around 4:03 AM, two suspects forcibly entered the premises by kicking in the front glass door. Assorted merchandise was stolen during the incident, which is currently under investigation by the Fairfield Police Investigative Division. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact Detectives at 203-254-4840.
Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app, by texting the keyword FPDCT plus your message/tip to 847411 (Tip411), or online at //fpdct.com/tips.
(Note: When sending a tip by text message, text keyword FPDCT to 847411, add a space, type in your tip information, and hit send.)
Customers Can Request, Schedule New On-Demand Ride Services
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that new microtransit services will begin in various communities throughout Connecticut between March 26, 2024, and July 30, 2024. These services are part of a pilot program in which nine transit districts and municipalities were awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to develop and pilot on-demand microtransit service.
Microtransit service is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that allows customers to use a smartphone app or telephone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas. The pilot program will last for two years with the possibility of two one-year extensions exercisable by CTDOT, based on performance and ridership.
“This new program will help seniors and people with disabilities travel in parts of our state that have historically been underserved by public transportation,” Governor Lamont said. “These services allow people to use an app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated areas, connecting them to restaurants, entertainment, rail stations, airports, and critical services.”
“Microtransit brings public transportation to communities that have lacked fixed route bus service,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont and the state legislature for the continued investment in high-quality public transportation that eliminates gaps between communities and increases access and mobility throughout our state.”
On-demand microtransit services will begin on a staggered basis in the following locations:
Starting March 26, 2024
Starting April 1, 2024
Starting April 6, 2024
Starting April 8, 2024
Starting April 22, 2024
Starting May 6, 2024
Starting May 28, 2024
Starting July 1, 2024
Starting July 30, 2024
In addition to this new pilot program, existing microtransit services in Connecticut include XtraMile (River Valley Transit), Wheels 2U Norwalk and Wheels 2U Westport (Norwalk Transit District), and New London Smart Ride and Stonington HOP Service (Southeast Area Transit District).
For more information on all of Connecticut’s microtransit services, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/publictrans/bureau-of-public-transportation/microtransit-services.
The latest episode of Along the Lines, a podcast produced by CTDOT, discusses the pilot program and the benefits and transformative potential of microtransit in shaping the future of public transportation in Connecticut. This episode can be accessed at www.alongthelinesct.com.
2024-03-25@10:22pm #Shelton CT– Firefighters received calls from Research Drive/Trap Falls are for a large brush fire in the woods. It was about twenty feet by thirty feet and the firefighters are taking care of it.
