Month: August 2024

Cocchia’s Liquor Store Arrests

On Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, the Norwalk Police Special Services Division executed search and seizure warrants, along with a federal arrest warrant, at Cocchia’s Liquor Store on Ely Avenue in Norwalk. Information had surfaced about a Mexican male named “Felix” selling large quantities of cocaine from the store. An investigation involving controlled purchases of cocaine identified “Felix” as Felix Galindo-Castillo, also known as Cocchie. Galindo-Castillo, who had an active federal arrest warrant, was also found to be the founder of the violent Los Vagos Gang based in Mexico. The federal New York arrest warrant charged him with illegal re-entry into the United States, with a bond set at $1 million.

The search warrants covered both Cocchia’s Liquor Store and Galindo-Castillo himself. Officers discovered seven full-size illegal gambling machines within the store, which were found in two separate locations. These machines, which pay out cash collected at the front counter through a receipt ticket from the gambling device, are illegal. Additionally, several bags of cocaine were found in the walk-in beer cooler and on the persons of Galindo-Castillo and another individual, Jose Gerado Fuentes-Lima.

Two facsimile handguns were located on a shelf under the cash register, and approximately $4,932 in US currency was seized from the gambling machines and found wrapped in rubber bands with gambling receipts hidden in various liquor boxes. The proceeds from the illegal gambling and cocaine sales will be applied for through state asset forfeiture. The inner control servers for each gambling machine were also seized during the search. This investigation is ongoing and marks the second time in a year that arrests have been made at this location for narcotics and gambling violations. The Norwalk Fire Department Fire Marshalls Division and the CT State Consumer Protection Division (Liquor Control) assisted in this investigation.

Jose Gerado Fuentes-Lima, 44, of Norwalk, was arrested on August 7, 2024. He faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit/possession of a controlled substance, illegal gambling, sale of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to commit/sale of a narcotic substance. His bond is set at $55,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on August 21, 2024.

Felix Galindo-Castillo, 48, of Norwalk, was also arrested on August 7, 2024. He faces charges of sale of narcotics, conspiracy to commit/sale of narcotics, possession of narcotics, conspiracy to commit/possession of narcotics, and fugitive from justice for a federal New York arrest warrant charging illegal re-entry into the United States. His bond is set at $55,000, with an additional $1,000,000 bond for the fugitive from justice charge. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 21, 2024.

Italian American Police Society Vincent Penna Memorial Car Show

The Annual Vincent Penna Jr Memorial Car Show, hosted by the Italian American Police Society of Southern CT, will be held this Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. The car show is raising funds for the Vincent Penna Jr Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship awards funds to the education of local children in the community.

Vincent Penna Jr passed away unexpectedly in December of 2020 at the age of 51, leaving behind his wife and teenage sons, in addition to countless family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow officers who admired his passion for his family and community. Vincent Penna Jr was an officer with Westport for 26 years, becoming the Deputy Chief of the Department before his retirement in 2017.

This event is expected to have hundreds of classic and exotic cars and thousands of automotive enthusiasts. There is a $20 fee to enter your car, no cut-off years, and spectators are free. There will be live music by Clue and the Honkytones, raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies, and more. Thanks to more than 150 sponsors, the IAPS of CT will be giving away more than $40,000.00 in prizes.

Rain Date: August 18, 2024

   “KIDS’ DAY” AT THE STRATFORD FARMERS MARKET IS BACK!

STRATFORD, CT, August 8, 2024—The Town of Stratford will be hosting its ninth annual “Kids’ Day” at the Stratford Farmers Market on Monday, August 26th from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Paradise Green in Stratford, CT.

This family-friendly and fun-filled back-to-school event offers a wide range of healthy activities that are perfect for the entire family. The goal is to captivate young minds with the wonders of fresh, locally grown produce through a variety of engaging and interactive activities.

“Kids’ Day,” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, “is a perfect example of intergenerational efforts put on by the Town and its many partners. This opportunity for connection and education continues to bring great benefit to all ages in our community. I am looking forward to attending this year’s Kids’ Day and hope that you participate in this opportunity for community engagement across ages.”

Tom Dillon, the market’s manager, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to bring Kids’ Day back to the Stratford Farmers Market. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children and families to enjoy the market and learn about healthy eating and local produce.”

Greta Broneill, Assistant Director of Health, added, “Events like Kids’ Day are essential for promoting community health and wellness. We are excited to see families come together to learn about and enjoy healthy living.”

Activities will include gardening, yoga, Zumba lessons, health information, touch-a-truck with the Stratford Fire Department, story-time with the Stratford Library, giveaways, and much more!

Kids’ Day at the Stratford Farmers Market is part of a larger initiative to increase access to healthy, locally grown foods in partnership with Get Healthy CT Coalition. Get Healthy CT (GHCT), a coalition of businesses and community organizations, including Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, local health departments, and social service agencies, collaborates to prevent and reduce obesity in the greater Bridgeport and New Haven regions.

Mark your calendars and bring the whole family to Kids’ Day at the Stratford Farmers Market. The event is free of charge. Call the Stratford Health Department at (203) 385-4090 or visit the Stratford Health Department’s social media pages for Kids’ Day updates, the schedule of events, and possible weather-related cancellations.

Westport News: Police Investigate Serious Pedestrian Crash on Imperial Avenue

(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department is actively investigating a motor vehicle crash that
occurred this evening at approximately 6:45pm on Imperial Avenue in the vicinity of Post Road
East. The crash involved a vehicle striking two pedestrians, resulting in significant injuries.
Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services were promptly dispatched to the scene
following a 911 call. Upon arrival, first responders provided immediate medical attention to the
injured pedestrians, who were subsequently transported to Norwalk Hospital for further treatment.
Their current conditions are listed as critical.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Preliminary
findings indicate that the vehicle was traveling north on Imperial Avenue when it veered off the road
and struck the pedestrians on the sidewalk.
The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily redirected to ensure the safety of all
individuals in the area. The Westport Police Accident Investigation Team is partnering with the
Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team. They are conducting a thorough examination of the
scene and collecting evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
The Westport Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has relevant
information to contact Detective Erin Shaw at 203.341.6023.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. We appreciate the public’s patience
and cooperation as we work diligently to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

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