Author: Stephen Krauchick

As of 1:30 p.m., four people were demonstrating in Tilley Pond Park, including Rague and Redding Constable Leif Smith, who sang to an audience of reporters and the few police officers left. Darien Police have sent many officers home because there is no need for them.  Read full story….

One man walking along Marlborough Terrace with a Sawzall in one hand and a catalytic converter in the other was all it took for police to make five arrests just outside of Scap Dodge in connection to stolen catalytic converters. Read full story….

21-year Dayquan Henry, of Carroll Avenue was shot multiple times and died of his injuries on Newfield Ave. in Bridgeport. The shooting occurred shortly after 12:30am, police found his body in a backyard although you can see in the video an officer marking a shell casing on Beardsley Street at the corner of Newfield Ave. Witnesses say they heard several gunshots and then heard a car speed away down Beardsley Street. This is Bridgeport’s 19th homicide of the year. If you have information on this shooting Bridgeport Police ask you contact the detective bureau at 203-581-5201; All information will be confidential.

SMYRNA, Tenn. – For the rest of the semester, a Rutherford County elementary student has to eat lunch at the “silent table” for allegedly waving around a slice of pizza some say resembled a gun.  Nicholas’ mother LeAnn calls her son’s punishment “absolutely ridiculous” saying he was just playing around and never said anything derogatory or anything about shooting anyone.  Read full story……

It’s been 30 years since gasoline took such a big bite out of the family budget.  When the gifts from Grandma are unloaded and holiday travel is over, the typical American household will have spent $4,155 filling up this year, a record. That is 8.4 percent of what the median family takes in, the highest share since 1981.  Read full story…..

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) – North Korea displayed the body of ruler Kim Jong Il in a glass coffin surrounded by red flowers Tuesday, and his young heir was one of the first to pay respects – a strong indication that a smooth leadership transition was under way.  Read full story……  with video.

State Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport, Stratford) was honored by the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP at a ceremony in Hartford earlier this month, and named one of the “100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut.”

“It is truly an honor to have been recognized by the NAACP, an association of leaders, as an influential member of Connecticut’s African American community. I admire so many people on this year’s list, and it is flattering to be counted among them. I will continue working in the year ahead to make a difference in the lives of African Americans, in the area of housing and on many other issues,” said Senator Gomes.

The ceremony was held in Hartford during the 46th NAACP State Convention on December 10th, which featured committee meetings, workshops for youth and adults and a health fair. Dick Gregory, an author, comedian and key figure in the civil rights movement, offered keynote remarks before presentation of the awards.

Senator Gomes served in the US Army from 1958-1963, before taking work as a laborer and member of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). He was the first African American to serve as International Representative and the Civil Rights Coordinator for District 1 of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA), comprised of all the New England states. He was eventually elected as a vice president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO Executive Board.

Senator Gomes served on the Bridgeport City Council for a total of 13 years before winning the 23rd State Senate seat in a special election in November of 2005. He represents the communities of Bridgeport and Stratford, and serves as Senate Chair of the Housing Committee.

Other notable honorees from the Bridgeport area included:

• State Rep. Charles “Don” Clemons (D-Bridgeport)
• State Rep. Charlie L. Stallworth (D-Bridgeport)
• Kristin duBay Horton, Director of Health & Social Services for the City of Bridgeport
• Deborah Caviness Sr., Program Administrator for the City of Bridgeport
• Peter F. Hurst, Jr., President & CEO of The Community’s Bank
• Charles Tisdale, Executive Director of ABCD
• Actor Michael Jai White

Over the past two weeks the Fairfield Police Department received approximately 15 complaints
regarding the theft of packages from mailboxes and porches in the Southport section of town.
Most of the thefts occurred between 12/7/2011 and 12/10/2011.

Because the thefts involved holiday packages, and were ongoing in nature, they were given
a high priority, and were assigned to Detective Ed Nook of the Investigation Division, who
pursued the cases exclusively.

After conducting numerous witness interviews and surveillance operations Detective Nook
developed a suspect. On 12/16/2011, the Investigation Division executed a search warrant in the
Southport section of town and recovered some of the stolen merchandise.

An arrest in the case will be forthcoming, and the police department is confident that there will
be no further package thefts in the neighborhood.

10:49am–Bridgeport–Police and EMTs responded to 2260 Fairfield Avenue for a knife fight between a one year old and a four year old.  It was reported that the one year old was cut on the ear.  When I arrived after my ten minute drive there the police car was just pulling away.  The ambulance remained on scene for a few minutes longer and did not appear to have any patients on board.

Norwalk–Senator Bob Duff opened his home to constituents in celebration to the holidays. Guests were encouraged to bring toys and food that would be distributed to four charity groups. Norwalk’s Police Department’s Canine Department put on an impressive display and Santa made an appearance on Engine Four.