Video report–
12:47pm–#WestHaven CT–#Fairfield CT–Fairfield Police along with State Police and FBI are on the scene at 1336 Stratfield Road in Fairfield. This is the third lockdown in a week at local universities but the first time a gun has been recovered. The University of New Haven in West Haven was locked down when a man with a long gun was spotted at Shop Rite and the gunman was heading toward the school across the street.
5:00pm–#Bridgeport CT–Police are investigating a complaint from a woman that a man claiming to be from the FBI harassing her for money. The incident is happening at the laundromat at 1348 Park Ave. This is the second call on this today.
2:22pm–#Fairfield CT–#cttraffic–Report of a 6 car accident on Route 58 Black Rock Turnpike near Arrowhead Lane.
4:58pm– Report of a motor vehicle accident on I-95, northbound between exits 25 and 26.
4:01pm–Bridgeport CT–#Black Rock CT–Chubby’s Bar and Grill on Fairfield Avenue reported to police that they received a counterfeit one hundred dollar bill.
On October 27th, 2013 at 23:39, Fairfield Police responded to a call for assistance at 80 Post Road. Upon arrival, officers located Joseph Russo (dob 12/31/68) of 136 Longview Avenue Fairfield, CT. He was cooperative however appeared to be distraught and provided disturbing details of his intent to harm students at one of our elementary schools. Russo detailed he had thought this for years. Russo notified us of his intent that one day he was going to carry out his actions. Russo wanted immediate help regarding his troubling thoughts so he wouldn’t act on his current belief of hurting school children.
Based on the officer’s findings and interview they determined Russo posed a significant and potential danger to others, and under the of authority of C.G.S. 17a-503 an Emergency Examination Request form was completed and Russo was transported by ambulance to St. Vincent’s Medical Center for evaluation.
The Fairfield Police notified and worked with the Fairfield School district to notify personnel of the threat and that the person currently was being evaluated.
Russo remained safely in the protective custody of SVMC for the duration of this investigation and posed no direct threat to the public.
Based on the officer’s initial interview of Russo, as well as follow up investigation it was determined that Russo had previously made similar threats to others that he wanted to take students hostage to traumatize them. It was determined that sufficient probable cause existed to believe that Russo committed the crimes of Threatening First Degree and threatening an Act of Terrorism.
On 11/22/2013 an arrest warrant was signed for his arrest. On 11/26/2013, at 11:00 AM, Russo was release from a medical facility and taken into custody. The Fairfield Police served the warrant and processed Russo for the charges listed above.
Russo is being held on $75,000 court set bond and is scheduled to appear in court on 11/26/2013.
During this investigation, the Fairfield Police have maintained an open dialogue with the Fairfield School System. This dialogue will continue during the judicial process.
5:34pm–#Bridgeport CT–Lafayette Boulevard and State Street reopens after an investigation of a fatal crash earlier this afternoon.
Other scam warnings from Sergeant Jillian Cabana, Westport Police Detective Bureau
Family member arrested- Another common scam involves an elderly person receiving a
phone call from someone pretending to be a grandson or granddaughter. The “grandson”
or “grand daughter” claims to be under arrest, often in Canada, and needs bail money
wired to a particular account, so that they can be released from prison. They may also
request the bail payment be made using a Green Dot card or other similar prepaid credit
card.
Social Security Scams- These calls involve someone claiming to be from social security
looking to update your information or reevaluate your status. They often request your
name, date of birth, address, social security number and other personal identifying
information, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.
Things to remember: If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Feel free
to do your own research using the resources provided below and to contact the police
department if you believe you have been the target of a scam. Please initiate a dialogue
with your elderly family members to advise them that these scams are out there and many
target the elderly and trusting.
Never give a caller your credit card, social security number, or bank account numbers
over the phone. If you have any doubts about what is being offered, request that they
mail you information about the company or organization. Responding favorably to a
solicitation scam involving your bank account can result in monetary loss and/or identity
theft. If the caller claims to be from your credit card company, hang up and then call the
toll free number located on the back of your credit card.
No legitimate companies will request that you purchase a Green Dot card or request that
you wire money via Western Union, Moneygram, or other similar service to pay your
bill.
#Bridgeport, CT – Nov. 20, 2013 – A 35-year-old woman faces charges she fraudulently took more than $14,000 in overtime for hours she never worked.
Nicola Myers, of Bridgeport, worked for a property management company as an administrative assistant. She is accused of submitting her time sheets for approval and then subsequently manipulating them to reflect hours she didn’t work. In all, she is accused to being paid for 453 hours she didn’t work.
A company official contacted police after the suspect was confronted and admitted the fraud but refused to make restitution. She no longer works for the company. Detective Frank Podpolucha investigated the case. She faces charges of first-degree computer crimes and second-degree larceny.
FAIRFIELD, CT – In the spirit of coming together for the holiday season and helping Fairfield families in need, a bi-partisan group of Fairfield officials including State Representatives Tony Hwang (R-134), Brenda Kupchick (R-132), Kim Fawcett (D-133), State Senator John McKinney (R-28), Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Selectmen Cristin McCarthy Vahey and Kevin Kiley is collaborating with Operation Hope to host a post-Thanksgiving Food Pantry Drive on Saturday, November 30, 2013 from 12-4 pm at the Town Hall Green, which is located in front of the Old Town Hall, 611 Old Post Road.
Nonperishable canned and packaged goods, along with monetary donations will be accepted. Operation Hope staff will provide a receipt of charitable donation for tax deduction purposes. Additionally, coats will be collected for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission which helps those struggling to survive by addressing issues of hunger, homelessness and addiction.
Operation Hope’s Food Pantry is a volunteer-run and operated food pantry that assists familiesin meeting their basic food needs, and connects them with other resources to help eliminate their food insecurity. The Food Pantry helps many families make ends meet when they have to choose between paying rent or a heating bill or going to the grocery store for food. The Fairfield legislative delegation is encouraging residents to help their fellow neighbors experiencing difficult times and share a sense of community spirit and support during this Thanksgiving holiday season.
