On December 14, 2024, Officer Fischetti conducted a proactive walkthrough of the Charles F. Greene housing complex and observed several males loitering near Building 5. Officer Fischetti and Officer Lewin engaged with the group to ensure they were neither trespassing nor involved in the sale of narcotics. During this interaction, the males complained about another individual, Gregory Thompson, a 21-year-old who does not reside in the complex. While speaking with Thompson, he attempted to retrieve his wallet, at which point Officer Fischetti noticed a baggie of narcotics. Officer Fischetti attempted to secure Thompson’s arm, but Thompson fled, leading to a brief foot pursuit. Officers successfully detained Thompson and placed him under arrest. Upon searching Thompson, Officer Fischetti discovered 18.7 grams of crack/cocaine, which tested positive for fentanyl, $94.00 in mixed denomination cash, two cellphones, and a spring-loaded pocket-style knife.
Thompson was charged with criminal trespass, interfering with an officer, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and carrying a dangerous weapon. His bond was set at $25,000.00.
State Police Troop G were called to the Darien Rest Area for a report of drones in the area. Traffic cameras are definitely pointed higher than usual and the cameras in the area keep going on and off line.
Report of a motor vehicle accident on I-95 by exit 29 Southbound. This appears to be a multi car crash and the on ramp is being shut down at this time.
Stonebridge Restaurant can expect a new back porch shortly when a car appeared to back into the back deck at 50 Daniel Street. There were no reported injuries, the building inspector was called to investigate.
Firefighters were called to the 1900 block of North Avenue for a basement fire which turned out to be a burning flower pot and was quickly extinguished before it blossomed into a fern-o.
Firefighters on scene of a structure fire in the 200 block of Silvermine Avenue. Heavy fire on the first floor reported, two lines in operation and a second alarm has been requested.
A year-long investigation by the Stratford Police Department, in coordination with state and federal agencies, has resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of significant amounts of illegal cannabis products from the S&T Smoke and Snack Shop at 562 Honeyspot Road.
Between December 2023 and January 2024, police conducted four undercover buys at the shop, leading to the seizure of illegal cannabis, THC gummies, and vape products. Employee Brion Henry Jr. was arrested and charged with four counts of Illegal Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis.
Despite this action, illegal sales continued. In May 2024, a Confidential Source under 21 purchased a vape product, and employee Scott Marsillo was found with bulk marijuana packaged for street sale. Marsillo was charged with Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis, while managing partner Raian Baniyounes was charged with multiple counts of Sale of Over One Kilogram of Cannabis.
In December 2024, another compliance check led to the arrest of employee Amilca Miller for selling a vape product to a minor and operating a drug factory. Miller was released on a $1,000 bond and faces additional charges of Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis.
This investigation was a joint effort between the Stratford Police Department, the Bridgeport DEA Task Force, and Connecticut state agencies. Their collaboration was key to addressing illegal activity at the S&T Smoke and Snack Shop.
Today’s vehicle fire was hosted by Monroe, which involved a car fire on the 600 block of Main Street. Firefighters quickly took care of it. You should expect delays until the car is removed from the scene.
At 1:24PM, the Bridgeport ECC received a ShotSpotter activation in the 1400th block of North Ave. As a precaution, Geraldine Johnson School was placed on a lock-in/lock-out. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated the area and positioned at the school as a precaution. However, the incident has been determined to be backfire from a vehicle. There are no further details at this time.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration will be continuing Connecticut’s recently launched Head Start on Housing pilot program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Connecticut and the nation that identifies young children who are enrolled in Head Start and whose families are experiencing homelessness and connects them with permanent housing support.
Launched in 2022 under the Lamont administration, the program is jointly administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, and it leverages existing support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s voucher program to connect these families with housing. Head Start is a program that provides low-income families with young children access to free services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being.
“Stable housing is among the most important components of a child’s development and wellbeing, and by expanding this state pilot program using federal housing vouchers we will be able to connect more young families to a place they can call home,” Governor Lamont said. “Ensuring families have access to long-term, stable housing is not only possible, but it’s a moral imperative.”
Since its launch, Connecticut’s Head Start on Housing pilot program has housed 144 families consisting of 317 children. Specifically, 85 school-aged children and 232 Head Start/Early Head Start aged children have been housed. Moving forward, the Connecticut Department of Housing will allocate 50 vouchers annually for Head Start and Early Head Start families. Connecticut has engaged housing and Head Start providers in several other states who have requested assistance in modeling the program.
“By cutting the red tape that often occurs when trying to access permanent housing vouchers, we are giving Connecticut children and their families an increased chance of economic and educational success that otherwise may not be possible,” Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno said. “We’re leveraging our existing resources to provide wrap-around services, underscoring once again that continued collaboration is vital for effective programs that help our children and families.”
“By leveraging Head Start’s two-generational model of providing services to both the child and the family, these programs are uniquely positioned to support Head Start on Housing’s goal of providing safe and stable homes for young children and their families experiencing homelessness,” Connecticut Early Childhood Acting Commissioner Elena Trueworthy said. “We know that children’s development can flourish when their families feel healthy, supported, and secure.”
“This has been one of the most rewarding projects I have undertaken,” Dr. Shante Hanks, director of the Head Start on Housing program, said. “It is a privilege to lead this initiative, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to Governor Lamont and our commissioner for their support and innovative vision. I am excited about the opportunity to continue providing Connecticut families with the high-quality homes they truly deserve.”
“We recognize that a stable home environment is essential for students’ academic success and personal development. By sustaining the Head Start on Housing program, we are ensuring that students receive the support necessary to engage meaningfully in their education,” Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said. “I extend my gratitude to Governor Lamont for his continued commitment to this visionary initiative and the continued partnerships between state agencies to support families with young children.”
Every year, more than 25,000 Connecticut families receive homelessness support and prevention services through the Connecticut Department of Housing.
