Month: June 2025

Fairfield Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Post Road: Fleeing Driver Located and Charged

Fairfield, CT – On Saturday, June 21, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM, the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a serious crash at the intersection of Post Road and South Benson Road involving a passenger vehicle and a moped.

Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, the moped operator, identified as Juan Otilio Tista Tista, age 25 of Bridgeport, later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The Fairfield Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Tista Tista’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Due to the serious nature of the crash, the Fairfield Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

The investigation revealed that Antony Gutierrez Silva, age 16 of Bridgeport, was operating the vehicle that struck Tista Tista, who was operating the moped. Gutierrez Silva was traveling westbound on Post Road and attempted to turn left onto South Benson Road. In doing so, he entered the path of Mr. Tista Tista’s moped, which was traveling eastbound in the right lane of Post Road.

Immediately following the collision, Gutierrez Silva fled the scene without rendering aid or notifying authorities. A witness to the crash attempted to follow him; however, as Gutierrez Silva tried to evade the witness, he struck the witness’s vehicle and fled the scene without stopping, resulting in a separate evading incident. Later that evening, members of the Crash Reconstruction Unit located Gutierrez Silva at his residence in Bridgeport. His vehicle was also located and seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

As a result of this investigation, the Fairfield Police Crash Reconstruction Unit has filed the following charges against Antony Gutierrez Silva:
• Negligent Homicide with a Motor Vehicle
• Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License
• Passenger Restrictions Violation
• Failure to Grant the Right of Way While Turning Left
• Evading Responsibility Resulting in Death
• Evading Responsibility (Property Damage)

Although Gutierrez Silva is 16 years old, he is being charged as an adult under Connecticut law, as motor vehicle offenses are not considered juvenile matters.

The Fairfield Police Department would like to thank the members of the community who promptly reported the crash and those who voluntarily provided video footage to assist in the investigation. We also extend our gratitude to the responding officers, Fairfield Fire Department personnel, and American Medical Response (AMR) staff for their swift response and professionalism.

Town of Fairfield Announces Christine Vitale Named as Acting First Selectman

Fairfield, CT, June 29, 2025—The Town of Fairfield announces that First Selectman Bill Gerber has
been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is currently undergoing medical evaluation, which will necessitate
his absence from the office in the coming weeks.
In accordance with the provisions of the Town Charter, and to ensure continued leadership and stability
during his absence, First Selectman Gerber has designated Selectman Christine Vitale to serve as Acting
First Selectman, effective immediately.
Christine Vitale brings extensive experience in Town governance and has served on the Board of
Selectmen since November 2023. Prior to that, she served six years on the Board of Education, four as
Chair. She has served on the Board of Health and is currently Co-Chair of the Fairfield CARES
Community Coalition. She will assume the duties and responsibilities of the First Selectman until such
time as Mr. Gerber is able to resume the role.
“Our thoughts are with Bill and his family during this challenging time,” said Acting First Selectman
Vitale. “The Town stands united in support of his speedy recovery. I expect to be in close communication
with Bill on a daily basis to receive guidance, provide updates, and keep his agenda moving forward. We
have a strong team who I will be relying on as we continue to work together to serve our community.”
In a statement, Mr. Gerber said, “While I focus on my health, I take great comfort in knowing the Town is
in good hands. I have complete confidence in Christine’s ability to guide our community with wisdom
and integrity.”
No further details about Mr. Gerber’s condition will be shared at this time. The Town will provide
updates as appropriate.

Bridgeport Police Investigate Two Shootings and Chase Tied to Gun Violence

Bridgeport, CT – Police are investigating two separate shootings that occurred on the evening of June 25, 2025, leaving three individuals injured and leading to a high-speed police pursuit and crash on Route 8.

At approximately 7:21 PM, a ShotSpotter activation alerted officers to 12 rounds fired near the 40–50 block of Sheridan Street. Responding officers located a crime scene, and shortly after, two male victims—ages 26 and 18—arrived at Bridgeport Hospital. Both underwent surgery and were previously listed in critical condition. The Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. Detective Timothy Leonard is leading the investigation.

Around the same time, a third victim, a 24-year-old man, also arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound. Investigators determined he was shot in a separate incident near Newfield Avenue and Clifford Street. That victim is in stable condition. Evidence was recovered from that scene as well, and Detective Palatiello is handling that investigation. Detectives are working to determine if the two shootings are connected.

Following the Sheridan Street shooting, officers attempted to stop a vehicle matching the suspect description. The driver fled, initiating a pursuit that ended in a crash on Route 8. Three suspects were taken into custody, and narcotics were found in the vehicle.

Arrested:

Dylan Durkin, 23, of Milford

Charges: Possession with intent to sell narcotics, possession of ½ oz cocaine with intent, interfering with police, resisting arrest.

Bond: $35,000

Damien Hazel, 26, of Bridgeport

Charges: Engaging police in pursuit, interfering, resisting, reckless driving, possession of ½ oz cocaine with intent, 1st degree reckless endangerment, evading with injury, failure to insure vehicle, possession with intent to sell narcotics.

Bond: $81,000

Nicolas Vega, 25, of Ansonia

Charges: Possession with intent to sell narcotics, possession of ½ oz cocaine with intent, interfering, resisting arrest.

Bond: $35,000

Police Chief Porter addressed the incidents, stating:

“While crime is down in Bridgeport, including shootings, these two incidents are a reminder that gun violence is still a threat. We are staying aggressive in our response and urge the community to come forward with any information.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Bridgeport Police tip line at 203-576-TIPS.

STRATFORD LIBRARY KIDS EVENTS IN JULY 2025

Summer Storytimes

Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes! The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers summer storytimes for children.

Storytimes meet at 10:30 AM:

  • Mondays: Music Time (ages 0–2)
  • Tuesdays: Preschool Storytime (ages 3–5)
  • Thursdays: Baby Lapsit on June 26, July 24, and August 14 (ages 0–18 months)

Storytimes run through July 29 and are held in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.

Children’s Craft Table

Weekly summer crafts with teen volunteers.
Open Monday–Thursday: 10 AM–12 PM & 2 PM–6:30 PM
Fridays: 10 AM–12 PM
While supplies last. Volunteer availability permitting.

July Events

July 1 – Summer Art: Floral Arranging | 4:00 PM
Ages 7–12. Create a red, white, and blue floral arrangement to take home.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 2 – Sport Stacking | 11:00 AM
Ages 6–12. Learn Speed Stacks cup challenges with Glen Costello.
Location: Lovell Room | Courtesy of the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund
Registration required

July 3 – Young Reader’s Book Club: Saving Winslow begins
Book pickup starts July 3; Discussion on August 7 at 6:00 PM
Grades 2–5 | Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 3 – Preschool Playtime: Sunny Days | 4:00 PM
Ages 3–6. Preschool STEAM activities about “sunny days.”
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 5 & 18 – Book Scientists Kits
Ages 5–12. Themes: Red, White & Blue (7/5), Games (7/18).
Includes books + activities. Keep supplies, return library books.
Registration required

July 7 – Pretzel Tasting | 4:00–5:30 PM
All ages. Vote for your favorite pretzels! While supplies last.
No registration required | Food allergens will be present

July 8 – LEGO Derby | 4:00 PM
Ages 5–9. Build LEGO race cars and compete!
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 9 – Christine’s Critters Animal Show | 2:00 PM
All ages. Live birds of prey and reptiles!
Location: Lovell Room | Courtesy of the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund
Registration required

July 10 – Perler Beads: Fandoms | 4:00 PM
Ages 7–12. Make a fandom-themed craft to take home.
Registration required

July 11 – Alphabet Parade Grab ‘n’ Go (Letter C)
Ages 18 months–5 years.
Also offered July 25 (Letter D) | Registration required

July 11 – Language Café: French | 3:00 PM
Ages 6–12. Beginner French games and snacks.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 12 – Preschool Art | 11:00 AM
Ages 3–7. Explore art in the Children’s Program Room.
Registration required

July 14 – Level Up Your Backgammon Game | 11:30 AM
Ages 8–12. Learn to play this classic board game.
Grownups welcome | Registration required

July 15 – Piano with Friends | 4:00 PM
Ages 7–12. Intro to music and keyboards.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 16 – Alphabet Fun | 11:00 AM
Ages 3–5. Fun alphabet games and activities.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 16 – Japanese Folktales & Origami | 4:00 PM
Ages 5+. Learn origami and stories with guest Mokoto.
Location: Lovell Room | Sponsored by Vicki Soto Memorial Fund
Registration required

July 17 – Kindness Club | 4:00 PM
Ages 6–11. Projects with community benefit.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 18 – Kids Podcasting Club | 3:00 PM
Ages 7–13 with parent/guardian. Record stories, reviews, and more.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 19 – Saturday Storytime: Fireflies | 10:30 AM
Ages 3–6. Stories, songs, and a craft about fireflies.
Registration required

July 19 – Beaded Bracelets | 2:30 PM
Ages 7–Adult. Make bracelets with beads and string.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 21 – Dog Man Party | 4:00 PM
Ages 6–10. Celebrate Dog Man with games, snacks, and fun.
Registration required

July 22 or 29 – Summer Art: Tiny Art | 6:00 PM
Ages 7–12. Paint tiny canvases for display and take-home.
Choose only one session | Registration required

July 23 – Jay Reidy Magic Show | 2:00 PM
Ages 5–12. Family-friendly magic fun!
Location: Lovell Room | Registration required

July 24 – Puzzle Frenzy | 6:00 PM
Ages 7–12. Race to solve puzzles, then make your own!
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 25 – Christmas in July | 3:00 PM
Ages 6–12. Crafts, treats, and games with a holiday twist.
Registration required

July 26 – Kids Lightsaber Training | 11:00 AM
Ages 5–12. Train with Jedi Masters from Saber Guild.
Foam/cardboard only props | Location: Lovell Room
Registration required

July 28 – Kids Karate | 12:00 PM
Ages 5–12. Learn basic moves with instructor Sam Diaz.
Location: Lovell Room | Registration required

July 28 – LEGO Club | 4:00 PM
Ages 5–12. Build with LEGOs provided by the Library.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

July 30 – Indoor Recess | 1:00 PM
Ages 5–10. Play school games and show your spirit!
Location: Lovell Room | Registration required

July 30 – Crocheting | 6:00 PM
Ages 9–Adult. Beginners welcome, supplies provided.
Location: Children’s Program Room | Registration required

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