September 2024 – Page 2

Grand Opening of 122 Wilton Road Apartments in Westport Enhances Affordable Housing Options

The grand opening ceremony for the 122 Wilton Road Apartments in Westport was held on September 27, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the community’s efforts to provide affordable housing. This development features 19 units designed to accommodate families and individuals whose incomes fall at or below 60% of the area median income. The completion of this project represents a vital step towards increasing access to affordable living options in the region.

Supported by a generous $7.55 million grant from the Connecticut Department of Housing, the 122 Wilton Road Apartments aim to alleviate the pressing housing challenges faced by many residents. This financial backing underscores the commitment of state and local authorities to enhance affordable housing initiatives, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of such developments in fostering diverse and inclusive communities.

During the ceremony, local officials, community leaders, and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the opening of the apartments and to acknowledge the collaborative efforts that made this project possible. Speakers emphasized the need for affordable housing in Westport, highlighting how the new apartments will serve as a crucial resource for families and individuals striving to find stable and secure living arrangements.

The development not only provides much-needed housing but also contributes to the overall vitality of the neighborhood. By increasing the availability of affordable units, the 122 Wilton Road Apartments are expected to attract a diverse group of residents, enriching the community fabric and fostering connections among neighbors.

Overall, the grand opening of the 122 Wilton Road Apartments is a significant achievement for Westport, reflecting a commitment to addressing housing disparities and supporting community growth. As residents begin to move in, the project will undoubtedly play a key role in enhancing the quality of life for those it serves, paving the way for a more equitable future in the region.

State Street Melee

Police were still sorting this melee on State Street near Clinton Avenue. The incident originated a few blocks up by the YMCA.

2024-09-27@10:20pm #Bridgeport CT

Shelton Man Arrested for Sexual Assault at Riverwalk

On September 25, 2024, the Shelton Police Department arrested 21-year-old Jgai Purcell of Shelton.

The arrest stems from an incident that occurred on August 8, 2024, at the Riverwalk located on Canal Street in Shelton. On that date, a 47-year-old woman reported she was walking her dog at the Riverwalk when a man approached her and stated he wanted to get to know her. The woman attempted to walk away, but the man put his arms around her, preventing her from leaving. The woman reported that while the man was restraining her, he grabbed her breasts. She was able to fight her way free, and the man grabbed her buttocks as she was fleeing.

The woman had the awareness to take a photograph of the man during the encounter. She furnished the photograph to the Shelton Police, who disseminated it to the public.

Shelton Police Detectives later located Purcell, who matched the man in the photograph. The woman was later shown a photographic array, and she identified Purcell as the man who restrained and assaulted her at the Riverwalk.

Purcell was charged with Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree and Unlawful Restraint in the 2nd Degree. He was held on a $50,000 bond.

Assault

There is a report of an assault on Moffitt Street according to unconfirmed radio reports. There are no other details.

2024-09-27@6:46pm–#bridgeport CT

Ex-Walmart Manager Extradited from Texas After Stealing $238,000 in Norwalk

On April 4, 2024, Norwalk Police responded to a larceny complaint at Walmart on Main Avenue involving an ex-manager accused of embezzling $238,000 between July 2023 and April 2024. The suspect, Erfan Ahmadi, fled to Texas, but with the assistance of Walmart Investigators and the Texas Rangers, he was located, arrested, and held for extradition. On September 24, 2024, Norwalk Detectives traveled to Texas and brought Ahmadi back to Connecticut, where he was charged with Larceny in the First Degree.

Ahmadi is being held on a $500,000 bond

Smoke In An Apartment Building

Firefighters were in the 200 block of Washington Avenue for an extended period, trying to locate the source of a smoke condition on the third floor. A top-to-bottom search of the apartment building led to the discovery of an electrical issue, according to unconfirmed radio reports.”

2024-09-27@11:20am–#Bridgeport CT

White Powder In Mail

A white powder was found in the mail at the Bayview Post Office located at 115 Boston Avenue. The letter and powder seemed to be contained within a passenger car parked outside the post office. EMS was called to assess the recipient.

2024-09-27@10:00AMish–#Bridgeport CT

Westport Firefighters Respond to Serious Crash Involving Two Trucks

Westport firefighters were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash involving two trucks. One occupant was reported trapped inside a vehicle, and a truck had rolled over. The initial response included Engine 2, Rescue 3, and the Shift Commander, with Engine 6 added for extrication assistance.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a utility truck with heavy front-end damage and one occupant trapped inside. There was an active diesel leak, and a roll-off truck was heavily damaged and on its side. Firefighters deployed a protective hose line due to the diesel leak and stabilized the utility truck before using battery-operated rescue tools to extricate the trapped occupant in under 10 minutes. Simultaneously, other firefighters worked to stabilize the rolled-over truck.

A total of five occupants from both vehicles were evaluated by Westport Emergency Medical Services (WEMS), with three transported to the hospital for further treatment. CT DEEP was contacted to oversee cleanup efforts related to the diesel spill.

Westport Police remained on the scene to investigate and manage traffic control. Roseville Road was closed for approximately six hours during the incident and cleanup. Fire department units cleared the scene at 10:27 AM.

Bridgeport News: Crash!

Report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Fairfield ave and Albion Street with multiple injuries reported.

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Stratford Structure Fire

Fire department UPDATE: At approximately 2058 hours on Thursday September 26,2024 the Stratford Communication Center received notification from on duty Stratford Fire personnel returning from nighttime marine training ,of a large volume of smoke emitting from the front door at the above mentioned address. While the responding firefighters were enroute to the location, Stratford Firefighters entered the residence and evacuated the occupants still in the residence with the fire alarm sounding. This report summoned a residential structure fire assignment consisting of all on duty fire apparatus under the direction of Assistant Chief Michael Camperlengo for a total of 22 firefighters in addition to the four firefighters who entered the residential boarding home. Upon arrival of the first due apparatus ,crews extinguished the fire in the original location and prevented extension to the remaining apartments. As a result of the actions of the quick thinking firefighters who saw the smoke and immediately entered to alert the occupants no injuries were reported.

The occupant of the apartment affected and three firefighters were evaluated and released by Stratford EMS units on scene . Station coverage was provided by the Bridgeport and Milford Fire Departments while all on duty units extinguished the fire. The Fairfield County Regional Hazmat Team also responded to the scene for assistance with lithium ion batteries affected by the fire in coordination with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Hazmat Response.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Stratford Fire Marshals office at this time.

Firefighters returning from training noticed smoke and discovered a fire in the 1600 block of Main Street. They immediately evacuated the building, which housed about eight people, and assisted two individuals suffering from smoke inhalation. One person was transported to the hospital, while the other declined further assistance. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control. A Hazmat team was called in to remove undisclosed hazardous materials from the first floor, and the fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

2024-09-26@8:55pm #Stratford CT– #ctfire