Norwalk police have arrested 27-year-old Michael Maldonado in connection with a violent carjacking that took place on Burwell Street last November. Maldonado, who was masked during the attack, smashed a car window while two people were inside, driving off with one passenger still in the backseat before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing. After an extensive investigation, police identified Maldonado—who was known to one of the victims—and secured an arrest warrant. He was taken into custody on March 6, 2025, and faces multiple charges, including robbery by carjacking, unlawful restraint, and violation of a protective order. His bond was set at $100,000, with a court appearance scheduled for March 7.
Anyone with additional information can contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111 or submit anonymous tips online at www.norwalkpd.com. Anonymous text tips can also be sent by texting “NORWALKPD” followed by the message to TIP411 (847411).
Westport, CT – The Westport Downtown Association (WDA) and Westport Youth Commission (WYC) have partnered to introduce a new student discount program, offering savings to students and educators at 25 local businesses, including Rhone, Original Pancake House, Vineyard Vines, Pizza Lyfe, Theory, Glowbar, Joe’s Pizza, Basso, The Bridge, and many others. Full details are available at http://www.westportdowntown.com/student-discount-program.
WDA President Maxx Crowley said, “The Downtown Association is excited to launch another program to attract shoppers to Westport and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with the Youth Commission in targeting students and educators with a program that highlights great values from our great merchants.”
WYC member Jake Shufro (SHS ’26) approached the WDA with a novel collaborative solution to revive the discount program and foster sustainability as a Commission project. Shufro said, “I didn’t want past experiences to shut the door as a win-win program like this needs to be in our town. After working with the WDA, I knew they held the key to making this work.”
Kevin Godburn, Director of Youth Services, praised the collaboration saying, “This has been a great opportunity for our student leaders to work with the local business community and encourage peers to shop and socialize in town. With each program, the students learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t. We’re excited about this current version and look forward to its long-term success.”
High school and college students (including community college) can access discounts by presenting a valid student ID or Schoology account. Educators qualify with active credentials. Simply show your ID or credentials at checkout to save.
Brian Spurr, WDA Community Director, said, “The Westport Student Discount Program is designed to welcome students into the heart of downtown while helping them stretch their budgets and to show appreciation for local educators.” Andrew Colabella, RTM District 4 Representative, adds, “ It’s important to revive this program, incentivizing students to work play live in Westport, but also support small local businesses, giving growth to our economy”
###
About the Westport Youth Commission: The Westport Youth Commission, appointed by the First Selectwoman and staffed by the Department of Human Services, is comprised of 15 Westport high school students and an equal number of Westport adults. Responsible for promoting the positive development of all youth in their families, schools, and community, and among their peers. The Commission assesses the needs and interests of young people in Westport, encouraging programs, and developing resources to respond to these needs. It serves as a catalyst for programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth in their families, schools, community and among their peers.
The Stratford Library will continue “Sunday Afternoon Talks,” its series of informative and entertaining talks featuring prominent local guest speakers, on Sunday, March 16 at 2 pm. Guest speaker John O’Connor will discuss “Exploring Finnegans Wake.” The talk is free and open to the public.
Finnegans Wake by James Joyce is a complex novel that blends dream and reality. It’s known for its difficult plot, made-up words, and puns. John O’Connor attended Bucknell University, where he majored in English literature. He spent a junior semester abroad in London, England, where he first read A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce and was hooked. While there, he first looked at Finnegans Wake and was puzzled but interested. Later, he went to Berkeley, California, on a vision quest to study the Wake and visit Wake expert Professor John Bishop at Cal Berkeley. When he returned, he began disseminating the actual words of Finnegans Wake, which is the basis of his talk at the Stratford Library.
The “Sunday Afternoon Talks” series, hosted by Charles Lautier of Stratford, is held from 2-3:30 pm in the Stratford Library Lovell Room, 2203 Main Street, Stratford.
On March 5, 2025, the Ansonia Police Department obtained arrest warrants for the March 1, 2025 robbery complaint that occurred on the street in front of 370 East Main Street, The Spot restaurant and lounge. While the beginning of this case and investigation showed the downside of social media with people more interested in recording and posting the incident and not reporting it. Once the video was posted there were numerous people who responded and provided information to help identify the involved parties. The information coupled with the work of Detective Shawn Mendenhall resulted in the arrest of Tashira Sparks and Carl Octavio Brown for their involvement in the incident. Sparks was the female in the video and Brown was the male recording.
Tashira Sparks, age 19, of Ansonia was charged with Robbery Third Degree, Conspiracy to Robbery Third Degree, Larceny Second Degree, Conspiracy to Larceny Second Degree, Threatening Second Degree, Unlawful Restraint First Degree, and Breach of Peace Second Degree. Sparks was held on a $250,000.00 bond to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on March 6, 2025.
Carl Octavio Brown, age 29, of Bridgeport was charged with Robbery Third Degree, Conspiracy to Robbery Third Degree, Larceny Second Degree, Conspiracy to Larceny Second Degree, and Breach of Peace Second Degree. Brown was held on a $250,000.00 bond to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on March 6, 2025.
The following is a statement from Chief Williams.
“Last evening, detectives and officers from the Ansonia Police Department obtained arrest warrants and took two suspects into custody for the robbery in front of The Spot in Ansonia.
As Chief of the Ansonia Police Department, I am outraged by the recent street robbery in which a victim was attacked while bystanders stood by, recording the crime for social media instead of calling for help. This is not just disappointing—it is disgraceful. Let me be absolutely clear: this is not an accurate depiction of the residents of the City of Ansonia. When someone is being victimized, the right thing to do is to step up—call 911, get help, do something. Instead, people chose to pull out their phones and chase social media attention while an innocent person was suffering. That is completely unacceptable. Criminals thrive when people choose apathy over action. Every second wasted recording instead of reporting puts victims at greater risk and allows criminals to escape justice. We cannot allow this kind of behavior to become normal. Let me also issue a challenge to our society—be better. If you see something, do something. Your phone should be a tool for calling for help, not for exploiting someone’s pain for likes, clicks and shares.
I want to thank those that have stepped up after the fact to provide information on the suspects in this case.”
BRIDGEPORT, CT – Join Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC) Women Build volunteers on International Women’s Day as they assist construction staff on a build site in Fairfield. Volunteers with varying skill levels and backgrounds will join in support of Habitat’s mission and in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.
The volunteer construction activity will take place at 240-246 Greenfield Street, Fairfield, CT, with parking available in the adjacent parking lot, on March 8, 2025, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Most construction efforts will take place in the morning, before the noon lunch break. Sponsored by ASML, the volunteer group will include volunteers from various corporate neighbors and committed community members (both men and women).
Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat CFC, stated, “Women Build is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with purpose and determination. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate exactly that—the strength, skill, and leadership of women who are making a great impact in our Coastal Fairfield County community. Whether picking up a hammer for the first time or bringing years of experience, every volunteer plays a role in our mission to address the affordable housing crisis while also building a brighter future for families in need.”
Women Build is Habitat CFC’s program to engage and empower women in Habitat CFC’s work. No experience is needed—Site Supervisors provide relevant construction training onsite. Volunteers must be ages 18+ to participate in a Women Build volunteer day. Learn more at habitatcfc.org/women-build.
Fairfield, CT – Fairfield Warde High School’s DECA chapter continues to make history, competing against over 1,200 students at the Connecticut State DECA Competition and achieving outstanding results. In just its third year, Warde DECA has more than doubled in size, growing to an impressive 78 members. This year, 25 students placed in the top five of their categories, a testament to their dedication, talent, and hard work.
A special congratulations to our qualifying finalists, who have earned a coveted spot at the DECA International Career & Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, from April 25-30. There, they will compete on a global stage against more than 21,000 students from around the world, showcasing their business and leadership skills while representing Warde DECA with pride.
This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our parents, volunteers, and the entire Warde community. Their encouragement and commitment continue to strengthen our program and help our students reach new heights.
For more information about Warde DECA and how to support our students on their journey to ICDC, follow them on Instagram: warde_deca or please contact jsauro@fairfieldschool.org
About DECA
DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The program provides students with real-world business experience through competitive events, networking, and leadership development opportunities.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has launched several programs to assist Connecticut residents who have been fired or placed on unpaid administrative leave from their federal government jobs.
“The federal government may have decided that they don’t want these skilled workers, but we want them to know that we value their public service and that Connecticut employers can use their skills,” Governor Lamont said. “Right now, Connecticut has more than 70,000 jobs available, and the Connecticut Department of Labor can help connect jobseekers to new employment or even help them begin an entirely new career if that’s what they want to do.”
Information specifically for federal workers and contractors is available on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol. This resource outlines steps for filing unemployment claims, getting answers to unemployment questions, and accessing career services. Currently, there are approximately 18,800 federal employees working in Connecticut.
“This continues to be a very difficult time for federal workers, and CTDOL staff and partners are here to help,” said Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo. “Filing for unemployment benefits is complex – it’s a federal system that requires workers to have specific separation documentation. Some workers may have been notified of their dismissal in a non-standard way and need assistance. Others may have severance and need career counseling or job search support. No matter the circumstance, CTDOL resources are available.”
CTDOL’s Rapid Response team, Business Engagement Unit, and Consumer Contact Center are working to help laid-off federal workers reenter the job market quickly. The agency also plans to host a job fair specifically for displaced federal workers and has five general job fairs scheduled for March. These job fairs are free for all jobseekers, and all participating employers and job opportunities are vetted by CTDOL.
Job placement and career services are available at no cost through the American Job Centers, offering resume writing assistance, career workshops, job search help, and support for veterans transitioning to civilian work. Both in-person and virtual appointments are available.
Unemployment benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, including work and salary history, place of residence, and other factors. Workers who received severance packages or salary continuation payments should wait until those payments end before filing for unemployment.
CTDOL also warns jobseekers to remain vigilant against fraud. The agency does not send text messages, make unsolicited phone calls or emails, or ask for unemployment account details. Jobseekers should verify any communication with CTDOL through the Consumer Contact Center and be cautious of employers charging fees to submit job applications or for employment services.
The Shelton Police Department has responded to approximately 25 vehicle break-ins over the past several days. A firearm was reported stolen in one of the break-ins. The incidents occurred downtown and along the Bridgeport Ave corridor. Police increased patrols and worked with detectives to investigate. During their efforts, they identified a suspect vehicle, which was reported stolen.
On 03-03-25, Officer Ray Laudato was patrolling the downtown area due to these recent incidents. He located the suspect vehicle in the Cornell St parking lot. When approached, the vehicle fled at a high speed, nearly striking Officer Laudato’s police vehicle. The stolen vehicle then crashed into another car on Howe Ave, and a male suspect exited, fleeing on foot. During the chase, Officer Laudato saw the suspect reaching into a bag while running. He was able to apprehend the suspect shortly after.
A flashlight, ski mask, and multiple sets of car keys were found in the suspect’s bag. Police also searched the area where the foot pursuit occurred and located the firearm reported stolen from one of the break-ins.
The suspect, 27-year-old Jostyne Morales-Ortiz of Bridgeport, was charged with multiple offenses, including Interfering with an Officer, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Theft of a Firearm. He was also charged with Violation of a Protective Order and several motor vehicle offenses. Additionally, Morales-Ortiz had outstanding warrants for Failure to Appear 1st Degree and two warrants for Violation of Probation, which were served by Shelton Police. On 03-04-25, he was brought to Derby Superior Court for arraignment.
Shelton Detectives are continuing their investigation, and additional charges or arrests may follow.
The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Effective today, the City of Norwalk has suspended the solicitor permit issued to Limitless Management LLC dba Frontier Communication for 120 days.
The suspension follows multiple arrests of unlicensed solicitors, reports of solicitation after dark, and aggressive solicitation practices targeting Norwalk residents. Some of these incidents occurred on properties displaying “No Soliciting” signs.
In Norwalk, solicitation is only allowed by companies with a valid permit and licensed employees who carry clear identification. Additionally, solicitation is strictly prohibited after dusk and on properties where “No Trespass” or “No Soliciting” notices are posted.
Residents who wish to file a complaint can call 203-854-3000 or use the city’s tip line.
