Month: February 2025

State PD Investigate Overnight Blaze

TRUMBULL, CT – On February 8, at 3:17 a.m. Long Hill Fire, along with Trumbull Center, Nichols, and Monroe Fire departments responded to a reported structure fire on Hitching Post Lane in Trumbull.

On arrival, firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions throughout the structure as well as significant structural compromise and collapse on the second floor of the home. Firefighters performed an initial exterior-based attack to control the fire. Once conditions allowed, the firefighters were able to transition to an interior fire attack and conduct searches of the residence. The fire was declared under control at 5:51 a.m.

Unfortunately, a resident did not survive the fire. The Fire Department turned the scene over to the Fire Marshal’s Office and returned to service just before 6:30 a.m. No fire department members were injured, and the scene remains under investigation by the Trumbull Fire Marshal’s Office.

Trumbull Firefighters were called to an overnight fire on Hitching Post Lane. State Police appear to have taken over the investigation. There are no other details at this time.

Tong To Fight DOGE

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong issued the following statement regarding the temporary restraining order granted early this morning blocking “political appointees, special government employees, and any government employee detailed from an agency outside the Treasury Department access to Treasury Department payment systems or any other data maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information.” The order was granted in response to the lawsuit filed late Friday by Attorney General Tong and a coalition of 19 attorneys general alleging that the Trump Administration illegally provided Elon Musk and the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” unauthorized access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system, and therefore to Americans’ most sensitive personal information, including bank account details and Social Security numbers.

“This strong and swift action from the court reflects the severity of our claims and the strength of our case. DOGE and its unlawfully constituted band of renegade tech bros were perpetrating in the largest data breach in American history. We sued to protect the functioning of our government and the security of every single American’s private data,” said Attorney General Tong.

The temporary restraining order blocks defendants from granting access to any Treasury payment recording, payment systems, or any other data maintained by Treasury containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees other than to civil servants with a need for access to perform their job duties within the Bureau of Fiscal Services who have passed all background checks and security clearances and taken all information security training called for in federal statues and Treasury regulations. Those prohibited individuals who have already had access to such information since January 20, 2025 must immediately destroy any and all copies of materials downloaded from Treasury records and systems.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE THREAT TO DEFUND POLICE

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong released the following statement regarding the directive issued by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to “pause the distribution of all funds” to jurisdictions who do not let the federal government unlawfully commandeer local law enforcement resources for federal immigration enforcement.

“This is yet another attempt by the Trump administration to defund police and distract local law enforcement from serious public safety threats, including gun violence, reckless driving, domestic violence and the opioid epidemic. We are in federal court in Rhode Island and have already obtained a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s lawless funding freezes. We are reviewing this directive and watching for any impact to our states. We will not hesitate to act should the Trump administration move to defund our states in violation of the court order,” said Attorney General Tong.

The directive revives a failed federal policy attempted during the first Trump Administration that resulted in $6.4 million in funding being illegally withheld from local police in Connecticut through Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.

Connecticut joined six other states led by New York in suing the U.S. Department of Justice in 2018 arguing that the Trump Administration’s immigration-related conditions on Byrne-JAG grants interfered with the rights of states and localities to set their own law enforcement policies. After appellate proceedings going up to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Biden DOJ agreed to remove the challenged conditions, allowing Connecticut and the other plaintiffs in the suit to access their withheld grant funds.

POLICE RESPONSE TO HERITAGE SQUARE FIRE

FAIRFIELD, CT — On December 7, 2024, at approximately 4:27 PM, the Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 1700 Post Road, Heritage Square Plaza. Upon arrival, first responders observed significant flames and worked diligently to contain and extinguish the fire.

Fairfield Fire Department crews successfully evacuated the building and brought the flames under control, preventing further damage to surrounding properties and ensuring the safety of everyone in the area.

Following a joint investigation by the Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department, it was determined that the fire originated from the actions of two individuals who were intentionally attempting to ignite dry leaves within the building’s stairwell. The leaves and other debris ignited, quickly escalating into a large fire that caused approximately $400,000 in damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

On February 2, Samuel Archer (19) of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and on February 3, Henry Hirsch (20) of Ridgefield, CT, were arrested and charged with Arson in the 3rd Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree. They were released on a $50,000 bond each and are scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on February 10, 2025.

This incident underscores the severe consequences of reckless behavior involving fire. Arson is a serious crime that endangers lives, property, and the safety of the community. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department urge all residents to exercise extreme caution when handling flammable materials and to educate young people about the dangers of fire. Preventative measures can save lives and prevent tragedies.

The Fairfield Police Department would like to recognize the swift actions of community members who called 911 and assisted responders in this investigation. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Teen Arrested with Loaded Gun, Extended Magazine, and Drugs

Norwalk police arrested 18-year-old Justin Gross on February 3rd after finding him in possession of a loaded Glock with an extended magazine and marijuana packaged for sale. Detectives had a search warrant for Gross as part of an ongoing investigation. When officers spotted him on Connecticut Avenue around 6:00 PM, he attempted to flee by crossing four lanes of traffic but complied when ordered to stop.

Gross faces multiple charges, including Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, Illegal Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. His bond was set at $500,000, with a court date scheduled for February 19th.

📞 Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111
💻 Submit anonymous tips at www.norwalkpd.com
📱 Text “NORWALKPD” + message to TIP411 (847411)

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