Category: Fairfield

Fairfield, Conn, April 1, 2024–Pequot Library is pleased to launch its Living Bird-Friendly series on April
12 and 13. The series, free and open to the public, includes remarks from Fairfield First Selectman Bill
Gerber on April 13 at 10:30 a.m. and a host of presentations designed to inspire community action on
behalf of birds, for the joy and beauty that they bring to all of us.
Living Bird-Friendly will provide more information about how to live more “bird friendly”, including
eliminating window collisions; decreasing light pollution; planting native plants and flowers; and
following bird-friendly pest control strategies. According to Pequot Library Adult Programs Manager
Charlie McMahon, “Pequot Library is proud to take a leadership role on this important topic by
convening area experts who can teach us all about how to best care for our environment and natural
world. This series follows International Dark Skies Week (April 2-8), and is planned as part of the library’s
ongoing climate and environment crisis initiative. Last year we hosted the ‘Lights Out Panel,’ and this
year, we’re thrilled to further that mission.”
The 2024 program hosts and committee members would like to devote this talk to the memory of Flaco,
the New York City Eurasian owl that captured the public’s imagination, who died as a result of an avian
virus as well as lethal levels of four different kinds of rat poison from eating poisoned rodents on the city
streets. We aim to use this series to help raise awareness of the threat of rodenticides to our raptor
populations.
Pequot Library has paired with 11 local advocates and nonprofits, creating programs for participants of
all ages. For example, children will delight in the Owl and Hawk Encounter: Meet Amazing Nighttime
Neighbors on April 13 at 10:30. This activity, featuring live birds, will be led by representatives from
Connecticut Audubon Society and the Fairfield Pollinator Pathway. “It brings people joy to see bluebirds
in their yard or hear a robin sing–or catch a glimpse of a hummingbird or a screech owl, but it’s not easy
for birds these days. They face so many different perils,” said Meredith Barges, co-chair of Lights Out
Connecticut. “This series is all about giving people the tools and knowledge they need to turn their yards
into safe, colorful, vibrant places where birds can thrive.”
Other programs will explain how to make your home or business safer and more inviting for birds. Each
session will feature a short presentation by experts followed by hands-on learning about the practical
aspects of making your home a safe haven where birds can thrive. In the process, gain a greater
understanding of the different threats that our native birds face in Fairfield and across Connecticut.

Community partners involved in this series include Fairfield Forestry Committee, Lights Out Connecticut,
Dark Sky, UrbanScapes Native Plant Nursery, Mow Green, Connecticut Pesticide Reform, Fairfield
Pollinator Pathway, Aspetuck Land Trust, Connecticut Audubon Society, and Sustainable Fairfield.
ABOUT LIGHTS OUT CONNECTICUT: Lights Out Connecticut is a nonprofit project of the Menunkatuck
Audubon Society working across Connecticut to pass meaningful nighttime lighting policies and increase
public understanding of light pollution’s harms for migratory birds and local ecosystems. We organize
residents, businesses, and schools to turn off or dim nonessential lights during peak bird migration with
our online pledge. For more information, visit www.lightsoutct.org.
ABOUT FAIRFIELD FORESTRY: Appointed by the Town Tree Warden, the Forestry Committee, founded in
2006, is charged with promoting stewardship of Town-owned trees and assisting the Tree Warden with
the implementation of the Town’s Community Forest Management Plan. The committee pursues its
mission by: providing public events and programs to encourage participation in the Community Forest
Management Plan; providing opportunities for the general public to give feedback regarding the
Community Forest Management Plan; conducting studies at the direction of the Tree Warden; providing
advisory assistance to the Tree Warden; pursuing grants and other sources of funds to advance the
Community Forest Management Plan; and encouraging and supporting the participation of residents
and neighborhood groups for implementing the Community Forest Management Plan.

FAIRFIELD, CT – Over the course of the past several months, the Fairfield Police Department
has pursued an investigation into a case of alleged child pornography possession, resulting in the
arrest of Dontrell Dayshawn Rodriguez (DOB 02/09/1995) of Fairfield, CT.
Initiated following a cyber tip from the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the
investigation underscores our unwavering commitment to combating child exploitation.
Detectives from the Fairfield Police Department Investigative Division diligently pursued leads,
executing search and seizure warrants on file hosting services and internet service providers
between December 2023 and March 2024.
Evidence collected during these operations identified Dontrell Dayshawn Rodriguez as a suspect
in the possession of child pornography. Subsequently, both Arrest and Search Warrants were
obtained for Rodriguez’s person, electronic devices, and residence in Fairfield.
On March 27, 2024, Dontrell Dayshawn Rodriguez (DOB 02/09/1995) was taken into custody
and his electronic devices were secured as additional evidence. He was charged with Possession
of Child Pornography in violation of C.G.S. 53a-196d. Rodriguez was held on $75,000 court set
bond and transported to Bridgeport Superior Court on March 28, 2024.
“This arrest represents a significant milestone in law enforcement’s efforts to combat child
exploitation. The Fairfield Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting
the most vulnerable members of our society. The collaboration with the Connecticut State Police
along with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has been instrumental not
only in this case but in numerous arrests in our town and across the state. This partnership will
continue to bring those in possession of such lewd material to justice.”

Report of a gas leak caused by a contractor who struck a gas line at the 300 block of Midlock Road in Fairfield.

2024-03-27@12:00pm–#Fairfield CT– A contractor has hit a gas main on Eleven O’clock Road. Fire and gas company on the way.

Fairfield, CT – Over the past few days, Fairfield has experienced a series of criminal incidents, prompting investigations by the local police department.

On March 23, 2024, at approximately 7:33 PM, a reported theft occurred outside Riko’s Thin Crust Pizza located at 1920 Black Rock Turnpike. An individual attempting to sell a personal item met purported buyers, leading to a physical altercation resulting in minor injuries to the victim. The Fairfield Police Department is actively investigating this incident and urges anyone with relevant information to contact Detectives at 203-254-4840.

On March 24, 2024, at 03:23 AM, officers responded to an alarm activation at Mohegan Smoke Shop, situated at 525 Tunxis Hill Cutoff. Upon arrival, significant damage to the storefront was discovered, caused by a vehicle backing through the entrance to facilitate a break-in. Surveillance footage revealed two individuals entering the store and absconding with various items. Although the vehicle was found unoccupied, the investigation into this incident is ongoing. Individuals with information or relevant video footage are urged to contact Detectives at 203-254-4840.

Another burglary was reported on March 24, 2024, at 06:17 AM, at the Gulf Express Swift Mart located at 738 Brooklawn Avenue. It was determined that around 4:03 AM, two suspects forcibly entered the premises by kicking in the front glass door. Assorted merchandise was stolen during the incident, which is currently under investigation by the Fairfield Police Investigative Division. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact Detectives at 203-254-4840.

Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app, by texting the keyword FPDCT plus your message/tip to 847411 (Tip411), or online at //fpdct.com/tips.

(Note: When sending a tip by text message, text keyword FPDCT to 847411, add a space, type in your tip information, and hit send.)

2024-03-24@3AMish– Police are investigating a robbery at the Mohegan Smoke Shop at 525 Tunxis Hill Cutoff (Chips plaza). The car drove through the front glass to gain entry.

2024-03-20@10:57am– #Fairfield CT– First responders dispatched to School Street and Jennings Road for an iPhone crash alert. Turns out there was no crash but police did locate an iPhone on the ground. So it went from a crash to found property!

2024-03-18@7:30pm–#Fairfield CT– Firefighters and police were called to a fire that was set by kids in the back of Stratfield School on Melville Avenue. The fire was out upon their arrival.

2024-03-18@7:11pm–#Fairfield CT–First responders are on the scene of a crash at North Benson and Post Road. Radio reports indicate the traffic control lights were not working at the time.

Our sponsor would teach you that when the traffic light is not working that you need to treat that intersection as a 4 way stop.

FAIRFIELD, CT – On March 17, 2024, at approximately 8:11 PM, the Fairfield Police Department
responded to a report of a possible robbery in the area of New Hampshire Avenue, Fairfield.
Initial reports indicated that several juveniles had been threatened at gunpoint by individuals wearing ski
masks who had fled the scene. According to the victims, they were riding their bicycles when they were
approached by the suspects. The suspects reportedly displayed firearms and a knife while demanding the
belongings of the victims. Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported.

Patrol Division personnel, working in cooperation with the Investigative Division, quickly identified a
suspect and located the juvenile at their Fairfield home, where they were subsequently taken into custody
without incident.

The juvenile was charged with Robbery 1st Degree (53a-134), Threatening 1st Degree (53a-61aa),
Carrying of Pistol without Permit (29-35(a)(1)), and Larceny 5th Degree (53a-125a). A court appearance
date was set for March 18, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Bridgeport Superior Court for Juvenile Matters.
Fairfield Public Schools were promptly notified of the incident. Although this was not a school-related
incident and there is no threat to schools, actions have been taken to prohibit the suspect from school
grounds pending the disciplinary process.

This appears to be an isolated incident between parties known to each other, and there is no indication of
any ongoing threat to the public. However, this remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional
information is urged to contact the Fairfield Police Department at (203) 254-4800.
Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app or by texting the keyword FPDCT plus
your message/tip to 847411 (Tip411). Tips can also be submitted online at fpdct.com/tips.

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