John Kuhn, 68, of Bridgeport, turned himself in at Fairfield Police Headquarters and was arrested in connection with a series of anti-Semitic vandalism incidents that occurred throughout August in Fairfield. Multiple locations were defaced with Stars of David altered with swastika-like tails, causing approximately $3,000 in damage; similar incidents were also reported in nearby communities.
Following a comprehensive investigation, Fairfield Police Detectives identified Kuhn as a suspect. After interviews, detectives determined his actions were motivated by current events between Israel and Palestine.
Kuhn was charged with three counts of Intimidation Based on Bigotry or Bias 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, and three counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. He was issued a $30,000 court-set bond and brought to court the same day.
Fairfield Police condemned the acts of hate and thanked community members whose reports and surveillance footage helped resolve the case. Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact the Fairfield Police Detective Bureau at (203) 254-4840, text tips by sending FPDCT and a message to 847411 (Tip411), or submit online at fpdct.com/tips.
FAIRFIELD, CT – State Senator Tony Hwang today officially announced his candidacy for Fairfield’s First Selectman in the upcoming special election. Surrounded by supporters at his campaign headquarters, Hwang said Fairfield deserves leadership that is engaged, listens to residents, and unites the community through integrity and civility. He pledged that his campaign will be focused on solutions, not division, and that the election must serve as an opportunity to restore trust in local government.
Hwang called on the Fairfield Board of Selectmen to set the special election for November 4, 2025, the same date as the general municipal election. He argued that November 4 would provide the highest voter participation while saving taxpayer dollars by avoiding the cost of a separate election. Hwang noted that his opponent, Christine Vitale, will vote on the timing of an election in which she is also a candidate, and urged the board to act in the public’s best interest by aligning the special election with the November ballot.
In outlining his platform, Hwang proposed a series of public debates with Vitale to give voters a clear understanding of where each candidate stands. He called for three separate forums focusing on economic development and public safety, housing and infrastructure, and taxes and property revaluation. Hwang emphasized that these issues are critical to Fairfield’s quality of life and future stability, and that residents deserve to hear detailed plans directly from the candidates.
Hwang also used the announcement to highlight his guiding principles for leadership, stressing the need for civility in public discourse at a time of heightened division. Reflecting on recent tragedies and polarizing rhetoric, he condemned political violence and called on Fairfield to embrace a spirit of community, unity, and neighborliness. He underscored that civics should be about open debate, respect for differences, and allowing the voice of the people to be heard.
A Fairfield resident for more than 30 years, Hwang said his campaign represents a return to local service, building on his two decades of legislative experience. He pledged an administration grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect for taxpayers. “This election is about giving the people of Fairfield a real voice in their government,” Hwang said. “It’s about building a future rooted in unity, integrity, and a love for the community we all share.”
Fairfield Firefighters quickly extinguished a detached garage fire in the 300 block of Berwick Avenue. There were no reported injuries and the fire marshal was called to investigate the cause of the fire.
Police investigate how a car crashed into the Dogwood Green’s fencing from the M&T Bank driveway located at 1237 Stratfield Road. I’m not sure this meets Gene Palazzolo’s standards for newsworthiness…
The Town of Fairfield’s 3rd annual Fairfield Oktoberfest is just a few weeks away! The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place, rain or shine, on September 13 from 2PM – 6PM in The Lot at the Fairfield Theatre Company, which is located at 70 Sanford Street in downtown Fairfield. This event is being co-hosted by the Fairfield Office of Community & Economic Development, Fairfield Community Services, and Fairfield Theatre Company. This year’s event will feature live music by the Grammy nominated and the 12x award winning International Polka Band Association of Chicago’s “Favorite Band/Instrumental Group of the Year”, Dennis Polisky & Maestro’s Men. The musical entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon as we welcome local favorite, Dan Tressler & Friends! Local food trucks with festive food offerings will be on site as well as vendors presenting a curated selection of adult beverages for those 21 and older. In addition to traditional lawn games and axe throwing, we’re thrilled to welcome Dryvebox to this year’s event with the addition of their mobile golf simulator! And the fun doesn’t stop there, we’ve added a 9-hole mini golf course, too! Commemorative Fairfield Oktoberfest t-shirts and steins will be available for purchase. Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart shared, “We’re pleased to host the 3rd Annual Fairfield Oktoberfest, and to be partnering with so many great local brands and especially FTC, one of the premier live music venues in the State.” In just a short time, Fairfield Oktoberfest has become an annual tradition and one of the can’t miss events of the year.” A special thanks to those who help to make this annual community event possible: Signature sponsor M&T Bank / Wilmington Trust, Stein sponsor Boca Grille and Raw Bar; Supporting sponsors Elicit Brewing Company, Next Century Spirits, Hi-Ho Motel, and The Circle Inn; and Participating sponsors Northeast Beverage, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery and Vintage Garden. “M&T Bank is proud to support this incredible event that brings together residents, families and visitors to celebrate the community, rich culture and the very best of what Fairfield County has to offer. As a longstanding partner in the Fairfield County community, we’re honored to contribute to Oktoberfest – an annual celebration that showcases local businesses and the region we’re privileged to serve,“said Frank Micalizzi, M&T Bank’s Regional President in Bridgeport. Parking for the 3rd annual Fairfield Oktoberfest is FREE and available at the Fairfield Center Train Station on the New York bound side. The parking lot can be accessed via Unquowa or Mill Plain Roads. To learn more about Fairfield Oktoberfest, check out www.experiencefairfieldct.org/oktoberfest!
While on routine patrol, a Fairfield police officer observed a gray Nissan traveling on Kings Highway East without a front license plate. A check of the rear plate showed the car’s registration was suspended. When speaking with the driver, the officer determined that his license was also suspended and that he had an active warrant for Failure to Appear in the 2nd Degree stemming from a prior Fairfield case involving a suspended registration.
The driver, Matthew Palmer of Bridgeport, was issued a misdemeanor summons for operating with a suspended registration, driving with a suspended license, and failing to display a front marker plate. He was taken into custody on the active warrant and later released after posting a $10,000 bond. Palmer is scheduled to appear in court on September 22, 2025.
