Alex, Author at DoingItLocal

Trumbull

Former Trumbull Teacher Charged With Risk of Injury to a Child

A former Madison Middle School teacher was arrested on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and charged with Risk of Injury to a Child, after investigation found that he had exchanged inappropriate text messages with a 13-year-old male student. Ryan LaSella, age 34, of Milford, CT, turned himself in at the Trumbull Police Department when he was notified of an active warrant for his arrest. The arrest resulted from an investigation that began in March of 2026, when the Trumbull Police School Resource Officer was notified of the complaint by Trumbull School administrators. The complaint alleges that LaSella had sent inappropriate text messages to a 13-year-old male student between July 2025 and March 2026. LaSella was charged with Risk of Injury to…

Norwalk

Norwalk Police Arrest Convicted Felon on Narcotics and Firearm Charges

Jun 27, 2026 Alex

Norwalk Police Execute Search Warrants, Arrest Convicted Felon on Narcotics and Firearm Charges On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the Norwalk Police Department's Special Services Division, with assistance from members of the Tactical Response Team, arrested Jesmar Velazquez. The arrest resulted from a narcotics investigation that led to the execution of three search warrants. As part of the investigation, investigators obtained search warrants for Velazquez's residence, person, and vehicle. In addition, Velazquez was the subject of three active arrest warrants charging him with the sale and possession of a controlled substance. Velazquez was taken into custody without incident at the Stamford Superior Courthouse, where he was appearing for an unrelated court matter. Following his arrest, officers executed the search warrants. During…

Bridgeport

Pedestrian Critically Injured After Being Struck by Car in Downtown Bridgeport

Jun 26, 2026 Alex

At approximately 6:52 a.m. today, AMR, Bridgeport Fire Engine 1, and Bridgeport Police officers responded to a serious motor vehicle collision near the intersection of Water Street and John Street after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. Responding officers arrived to find AMR and Bridgeport Fire Engine 1 personnel rendering aid to a male pedestrian lying in the roadway. The victim was transported to St. Vincent's Hospital. The scene was secured, and the Bridgeport Police Accident Reconstruction Team responded to investigate. Following a preliminary investigation, police determined that a 29-year-old Bridgeport resident was operating a black Honda Civic northbound on Water Street when the vehicle traveled through the intersection with John Street and struck a…

Bridgeport Uncategorized

Bridgeport Man Charged With Murder in Park Avenue Stabbing

Jun 25, 2026 Alex

The Bridgeport Police Department late Tuesday afternoon arrested a Bridgeport man for the fatal stabbing of a woman at a Park Avenue rooming house on June 9th. Johnnie Newkirk, 52, was arrested by the Homicide Unit at approximately 5:30 pm today at Bridgeport Police Headquarters. He had an active felony warrant. Newkirk was charged with Murder and Tampering with Evidence in the killing of Willesha Riddick, 41, on Park Avenue June 9th, 2026. Newkirk and Ms. Riddick lived in separate rooms in the house. Newkirk's bond was set at $1.5 million and he will be arraigned Wednesday, June 24th, at Bridgeport Superior Court - 172 Golden Hill Street. Shortly after midnight on June 9th, patrol officers were dispatched to the…

State News

MURPHY INTRODUCES LANDMARK BILL TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE TO 25 DOLLARS NATIONWIDE

Jun 25, 2026 Alex

Watch the Bill Announcement Here: https://youtu.be/W8AW65c81gY?si=pP3R8m2oCxmQK5Nf WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday announced he will introduce the Living Wage For All Act, bicameral legislation to increase the federal minimum wage to 25 dollars an hour. Under a two-track phase-in, large corporate employers would be required to implement a $25 wage floor by 2032, while other businesses would have until 2039 to do so. The bill would also guarantee a living wage for workers by mandating automatic, continued increases of the federal minimum wage to two-thirds of the national median wage. The Living Wage For All Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-Ill-03), Analilia Mejia (D-N.J.-11). Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04), and Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12) introduced companion legislation…

Bridgeport

Midnight Fire

Jun 25, 2026 Alex

The Bridgeport Fire Department responded to report of a structure fire located in the 1100 block of State Street at 12:10am. Arriving fire units confirmed a working fire on the second floor which extended to the third floor. There were no reported injuries, and the Bridgeport Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport Man Charged With Murder After Laurel Avenue Stabbing

Jun 24, 2026 Alex

Bridgeport Police arrested a 44-year-old man early Monday morning after he fatally stabbed one family member and injured two other relatives during an incident at a residence on Laurel Avenue. Jahmar Whittingham was taken into custody shortly after officers arrived at the 960 block of Laurel Avenue at approximately 5:00 a.m. They encountered Whittingham in front of the house holding a large kitchen knife. He dropped the knife when ordered but then told officers they would have to shoot him. Whittingham refused to comply with further commands. Officers tased him, but he pulled the prongs from his body. Officers then took Whittingham to the ground and placed him in custody. Officers found 60-year-old Eric Johnson laying in front of the…

Bridgeport

Five Arrested During Bridgeport Smoke Shop Compliance Checks

Jun 23, 2026 Alex

On Monday, June 15, 2026, in a coordinated effort, the Bridgeport Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Division, together with local and state partners conducted compliance checks throughout the City of Bridgeport of establishments operating as smoke shops. During the operation, officers were alerted to the presence of marijuana and THC based products resulting in the successful seizure of approximately 23.02 lbs. of Cannabis and THC products from the following establishments. The following Smoke Shops were inspected during the detail: Dubai High Smoke Shop – 51 Boston Ave Star Convenience – 1640 Barnum Ave Fly Smoke Shop – 522 Boston Ave Mystic Clouds Smoke Shop – 4267 Main St $360.00 in Us currency believed to be proceeds from the illegal sale…

Fairfield

Missing Fisherman Located Following Penfield Reef Incident

Jun 23, 2026 Alex

On June 20, 2026, during the morning hours, the body of 34-year-old Kwahiwi Edwards of Queens, New York, was located on a beach near Shoreline Drive in Stratford. Mr. Edwards had been reported missing on June 13, 2026, after he and another fisherman became stranded on the reef at Penfield Beach as the incoming tide rapidly surrounded them. A witness entered the water in an attempt to assist the fishermen but was also swept into deeper water. Responding Fairfield Police officers successfully rescued the witness and the second fisherman; however, Mr. Edwards could not be located. An extensive search and recovery operation was conducted involving local, state, and federal agencies, including marine units, dive teams, drone operators, and aviation resources.…

State News

CTDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Alert During Busy Summer Travel Season

Jun 21, 2026 Alex

As Summer Travel Increases, So Do Safety Risks on Connecticut Roads CTDOT reminds drivers to stay alert as travel, construction, and outdoor activity increase. As Connecticut enters the busy summer season, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is urging motorists to stay alert and be prepared for increased activity on the roads. Summer brings more vehicles to Connecticut’s roads as residents and visitors travel to destinations across the state. At the same time, construction crews are advancing critical infrastructure projects in active highway work zones, and more pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are out enjoying the warmer weather. Together, these conditions create a roadway environment that requires every driver’s full attention. Historically, the summer months mark the deadliest period on Connecticut's roadways.…

Former Trumbull Teacher Charged With Risk of Injury to a Child

Norwalk Police Arrest Convicted Felon on Narcotics and Firearm Charges

Pedestrian Critically Injured After Being Struck by Car in Downtown Bridgeport

Bridgeport Man Charged With Murder in Park Avenue Stabbing

MURPHY INTRODUCES LANDMARK BILL TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE TO 25 DOLLARS NATIONWIDE

Midnight Fire

Bridgeport Man Charged With Murder After Laurel Avenue Stabbing

Five Arrested During Bridgeport Smoke Shop Compliance Checks

Missing Fisherman Located Following Penfield Reef Incident

CTDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Alert During Busy Summer Travel Season

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