Month: January 2025

POLICE RESPONSE TO INCIDENT INVOLVING HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

FAIRFIELD, CT – On December 1, 2024, at approximately 12:25 PM, the Fairfield Police Department was notified by an area hospital of a young adult male being treated for significant hand injuries. The injuries were reportedly caused by an explosive device. The patient disclosed to hospital staff that he and a friend had built and detonated multiple homemade explosive devices earlier that day.

A subsequent investigation by our Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, FBI, and Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad revealed that the individuals had constructed four devices using materials purchased online and at retail locations. The devices were later transported to a secluded area in the Pine Creek Marsh where they attempted to detonate them. Two devices were successfully detonated, but the third device exploded prematurely, causing the injuries. The fourth was located at the Pine Creek Marsh and appropriately destroyed by the Stamford Police Bomb Squad.

Fairfield Detectives worked diligently in conjunction with our local and federal law enforcement partners. The Fairfield Police Detective Bureau prepared and submitted arrest warrants to the Bridgeport Superior Court, which were reviewed by the Connecticut State Attorney’s Office. After a thorough evaluation, it was determined there was probable cause to support charges of Breach of Peace in the 1st Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree.

On January 13, 2025, Nathaniel Lennon of Fairfield, CT, turned himself in at the Fairfield Police Department. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on January 21, 2025.

On January 14, 2025, Daniel Calarco of Fairfield, CT, turned himself in at the Fairfield Police Department. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on January 24, 2025.

Both individuals were charged with Breach of Peace in the 1st Degree and two counts of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree.

This arrest highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community. The Fairfield Police Department is grateful for the invaluable assistance provided by the FBI and the Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad. Their expertise and collaboration were instrumental in resolving this case safely and effectively.

We also want to take this opportunity to remind the public of the serious dangers associated with creating homemade explosive devices. These devices pose a significant risk not only to those handling them but also to the broader community. We urge everyone to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately to prevent potential harm.

Bridgeport Police Investigating Homicide on Hewitt Street

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Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport Police Department is investigating the fatal shooting of Derek Martin, 48, of 197 Hewitt Street, Bridgeport, following a call to the scene on January 9, 2025.

At approximately 5:05 PM, officers responded to a report of a shooting at the residence. Upon arrival, they discovered Martin suffering from gunshot wounds to the torso at the front of the multi-family home. Medics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Patrol officers secured the area, and the Detective Bureau Homicide Squad, accompanied by the Forensic Identification Unit, has taken over the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident began inside the residence and extended to the front porch. Detectives have developed strong leads and believe Martin knew his attacker.

The investigation is ongoing, with detectives canvassing the area and seeking potential witnesses. Hewitt Street remains closed between Connecticut Avenue and Hewitt Court as authorities continue their work.

The Bridgeport Police Department extends its condolences to Martin’s family and friends. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Detective Thomas Harper at 203-581-5239 or the Bridgeport Police Tips line at 203-576-TIPS.

Mayor Ganim Announces Funding for Congress Street Bridge Replacement

Bridgeport, CT –Mayor Ganim announced that the City of Bridgeport received $24.6 million for the replacement of the Congress Street Bridge, located in the downtown area of the City. Funding for this project was received by the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, with the selection process made possible by Congressman Jim Himes, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Senator Chris Murphy.

“I want to thank Congressman Jim Himes, Senator Chris Murphy, and Senator Richard Blumenthal for their steadfast advocacy to secure final funding for this project,” stated Mayor Ganim. “After thirty years, the Congress Street Bridge will finally reconnect the bustling East Side and Downtown neighborhoods and will increase public safety response times. The City of Bridgeport is prepared to get to work and ensure this project is completed expeditiously.”

The RAISE program allows project sponsors, including state and local governments, to pursue multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to fund through other grant programs. RAISE grants are awarded to eligible surface transportation projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. The total federal funding for the Congress Street Bridge replacement is now brought to $26.9 million with the RAISE grant included in that total.

$1.5 Million Settlement Reached with Carvana Following Consumer Complaints

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Attorney General William Tong announced a $1.5 million settlement with Carvana, an online used car dealer, after receiving hundreds of complaints from Connecticut consumers. The issues included extended delays in receiving title and registration documents, late payments to sellers, and misrepresentations about vehicle conditions.

As part of the settlement, Carvana will establish a $1 million consumer restitution fund and pay a $500,000 penalty to the state. Half of this penalty will be suspended if Carvana complies with all settlement terms. The company is now required to adhere to Connecticut laws, ensuring valid title and registration documents are provided at the time of sale. Additionally, Carvana must improve its customer service systems and designate a direct contact to resolve Connecticut complaints.

Consumers who purchased vehicles from Carvana after January 1, 2019, and faced delays or financial losses due to title, registration, or loan payoff issues may be eligible for restitution. Claims can be submitted via email to connecticutrestitution@carvana.com. The settlement, which is subject to court approval, also addresses complaints about inaccurate vehicle descriptions and unresponsive customer service.

Attorney General Tong emphasized the significance of the settlement in holding Carvana accountable and protecting consumers. Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera echoed the importance of ensuring businesses meet their obligations to customers, particularly for significant purchases like vehicles.

The investigation, launched in January 2022, revealed that Carvana’s rapid growth during the pandemic exacerbated delays in titling and registration. Many consumers reported waiting months to receive their documents, while others dealt with repeated out-of-state temporary registrations or risked driving unregistered vehicles. Additional complaints highlighted delays in payments for vehicles sold to Carvana and discrepancies between advertised and actual vehicle conditions.

The settlement reflects a step forward in addressing these issues and ensuring compliance with state laws moving forward.

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