Category: Stratford

STRATFORD — On October 20, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m., Stratford Police received a 911 call from a male who said he had just stabbed his girlfriend and intended to kill himself. The caller identified himself as Stanley Mulvey and provided the location as a home on Griffen Street, identifying the victim as Megan McShane. Responding officers found Mulvey lying atop an unresponsive McShane on the kitchen floor; both were covered in blood, and a large, blood-covered kitchen knife was nearby. Mulvey refused commands to move and was physically removed from the residence, then handcuffed and placed in a patrol car, where police say he made several admissions that he had killed McShane. A Stratford EMS paramedic arrived and pronounced McShane deceased from obvious homicidal injuries.

Police note Mulvey is a convicted felon who was previously arrested in May 2025 in a domestic violence case in which McShane was the victim. Mulvey was transported to headquarters and charged with Murder and Interfering with a Police Officer. He was issued an October 21, 2025 court date and is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bond.

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STRATFORD — On Monday, October 13, 2025, at about 7:30 p.m., patrol officers responded to the Penders Practice Field (at Glendale Rd. & Charlton St., directly across from the main field) for a report of shots fired. Detectives recovered nine (.45 caliber) spent shell casings scattered on the practice field.

Surveillance video shows two groups of three males meeting on the field; within seconds, one male points a firearm toward the other group and fires nine rounds. No injuries were immediately reported at the scene. Detective Rachel Crosby is leading the investigation; anyone with information is asked to call (203) 385-4122 or email rcrosby@townofstratford.com.

The Stratford Library presents “Halloween Hauntings” – two American tales of ghostly suspense on Tuesday, October 28. Written in the days of ominously flickering candles and kerosene lamps, “The Shadows on the Wall” and “The House That Was Not” are guaranteed to chill the bone. The special evening, performed by professional actress Michèle LaRue, is free and open to the public.

In the wake of a sudden mysterious death, “The Shadows on the Wall” draws four siblings home to a familiar but menacing New England parlor. “The House That Was Not” lures an unsuspecting new bride across the bleak Nebraska prairie. Authored by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (1903) and Elia Wilkinson Peattie (1898), respectively, these tales evoke the America of a century ago, still enthralling audiences today. In this unique one-woman show, Michèle LaRue portrays eight characters. The Chicago-born and New Jersey-based LaRue tours nationally with her unique repertoire of century-old American TALES WELL TOLD. Audiences in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York have exclaimed, “What you offer is priceless”; “You had us on the edge of our seats”; “I will never look at shadows quite the same way again!”

“Halloween Hauntings” will be presented in the Library Lovell Room starting at 6:30 pm on October 28. The program is recommended for adult audiences. For further information visit the Stratford Library website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org or call: 203.385.4162.

In August 2025, Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice & Intelligence (NVI) Unit developed information about ongoing illegal cannabis sales tied to three nearby smoke shops: Star Smoke & Variety (2339 Barnum Ave, Stratford), On Your Way Convenience & Smoke Shop (2248 Barnum Ave, Stratford), and Loco Smoke Shop (1742–1746 Barnum Ave, Bridgeport)—all within 0.35 miles of each other. Search warrants for all three locations were approved by the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office on September 23, 2025, and executed simultaneously at about 1:00 p.m. on September 26, 2025 by NVI Detectives with support from Stratford Detectives Bureau, Stratford SRT, Bridgeport Police Task Force Officers, and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) agents. During the operation, detectives seized approximately 17 pounds of illegal cannabis materials and products, $3,537 in cash, and a Lexus sedan; asset forfeiture proceedings are pending.

Arrests and charges include: Rami Sawan (at On Your Way) — Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Cannabis Without a License (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Raghavendra Tulluru (at Star Smoke & Variety) — Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Without a License; Interfering with Police (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Fu Munazza (at Loco Smoke Shop) — Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Without a License (released on $50,000 non-surety bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Anas Alsaedi (owner of all three shops) was stopped at about 1:35 p.m. while driving a Lexus eastbound on Boston Ave with a license plate registered to a different vehicle; he was identified, taken into custody, and charged with Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Without a License (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Abdulrahman Essa (listed as sole proprietor of the three shops) surrendered at headquarters at about 7:00 p.m., and was charged with the same three offenses (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025).

There is a heavy police presence on Barnum Avenue Cutoff and I-95 due to a man being pursued on foot by the Stratford Police, according to unconfirmed radio reports. No word on what he was wanted for. Sounds like the have him in custody at Walmart.

2025-09-29@9:19pm– #Stratford CT

Stratford, CT – The Town of Stratford is pleased to announce it has been awarded $632,521.81 in federal grant funding through FEMA’s FY24 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This critical funding will allow the Town to fully upgrade and replace the Stratford Fire Department’s inventory of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) — equipment essential to the safety and effectiveness of Stratford’s firefighters.

The grant also funds up to eight (8) instructor-led trainings at the regional Fire School, ensuring Stratford’s firefighters are fully prepared to use the new equipment in live fire situations. Each firefighter on staff will receive a new face mask, and the Department will acquire multiple Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs, emergency air supply systems that are available when rescue is needed by first responders or victims.

These upgrades will not only enhance firefighter safety but also allow the department to be compliant with the upcoming 2026 National Fire Protection Association standards and provides a warranty for the life of the air pack, ensuring Stratford’s firefighters remain at the forefront of professional readiness and life-saving capabilities.

“This funding is an investment in the safety of both our firefighters and our community. Stratford’s first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day, and ensuring they have the best possible equipment is one of our top priorities. We are grateful to FEMA for recognizing the importance of this project and for supporting Stratford with this significant award.” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick.

Fire Chief Jermaine Atkinson noted, “The new SCBA equipment and training will directly improve our ability to respond quickly, safely, and effectively in emergencies. Having the latest life-saving tools ensures our firefighters are protected and prepared when called to serve. I would also like to thank the members of the department who spearheaded this project and provided guidance and oversight to push the project forward. This grant allows us to meet upcoming safety standards ahead of schedule and strengthens our ability to save lives here in Stratford.”

The Town had proactively included funding for this equipment in its FY2026–2030 Capital Improvement and Capital Equipment Plan (CIP/CEP) as part of a contingency strategy, ensuring the investment would move forward even without federal support. The award from FEMA offsets this cost and accelerates the Department’s ability to acquire and deploy the upgraded equipment.

“On behalf of the Town of Stratford, we are deeply appreciative of FEMA’s continued partnership in helping us safeguard our community,” said Mayor Hoydick.

The Stratford Library will host a free fall concert series in the Lovell Room from October 5 through November 30, made possible by the Richard Pheneger Memorial Fund. All events are open to the public.

On Saturday, October 5 at 2 p.m., The Survivors Swing Band will celebrate the Library’s return to Sunday hours with classic tunes from the Great American Songbook—dancing in the aisles encouraged. On Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m., Craig Norton leads “Hands on Drumming,” a 90-minute, wellness-oriented participatory session with drums provided; seating is limited and free registration is available at https://stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/15101043. On Sunday, October 12 at 2 p.m., The Kenn Morr Band returns in support of its new album “Still Shining,” recorded at Sandy Brook Studios in Colebrook, CT, featuring eleven new songs with lush harmonies and cohesive instrumentation. On Sunday, November 30 at 2 p.m., Stratford singer-songwriter Saint (Thierry Coriolan-Beauregard) presents “A Cry for Peace & A Shout for Love,” sharing uplifting songs aimed at hope, compassion, and unity.

For more information, visit www.stratfordlibrary.org or call 203-385-4162.

10/1, 10/15: 4:30-5:30 pm: Teen Lingo Lounge
Have you been looking for a fun way to learn or practice a new language? Come connect with others and help each other perfect this skill. We will also use the library’s database Transparent Language as a guide. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

¿Has estado buscando una forma divertida de aprender o practicar un nuevo idioma? Ven a conectar con otros y ayúdense mutuamente a perfeccionar esta habilidad. También utilizaremos la base de datos de la biblioteca, Transparent Language, como guía.

10/4: 1:00-2:30 pm: Taylor Swift Listening Party
Taylor’s new album is dropping — and we’re celebrating in style! Come hang out with fellow Swifties as we listen to the new album, decorate heart-shaped sunglasses, make Taylor-themed bookmarks, and frost your own Pop-Tarts (Taylor’s favorite snack, obviously!). Bring your besties — and maybe your friendship bracelets. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

10/6: 4:30-6:00 pm: Teen Monster Munch and Make
Spooky season is here! Come create your own pumpkin patch dirt cup to eat while learning how to make your very own spooky garland to take home and hang up! Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

10/16: 6:00-7:00 pm: Night of Crystals and Tea Leaf Reading
Teens: Join Rachel, The Replanted Witch, for a night of crystals and tea! We will explore the ways that we can use crystals in jewelry; healing, create a crystal tipped wand, and then cast a fun spell together. Then we will explore the art of tea leaf reading and learn how to look for messages hidden in the leaves. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Location: Board Room.

10/20: 3:00-4:30 pm: Zombie Barbies
Zombie Barbie returns! Come and celebrate Halloween by making cheerful dolls dressed in pink into brain eating zombies! We’ll supply everything; you bring your creative ideas! We will put them on display and take pictures when you are finished. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

10/22: 4:30-6:00 pm: Karaoke Spooktacular
The spooky season is upon us! Come enjoy some karaoke tunes with friends. We will have games, crafts and sweet treats. But don’t forget, come dressed in your favorite costume! Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

Report of a car fire on I-95 North by exit 30. At this time there is one lane open.

Stratford, CT – Wednesday, September 17th, marked a milestone moment for Stratford as the long-awaited conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso Regional Center property was finalized. After years of negotiations with the State of Connecticut and many

discussions with the State’s Department of Administrative Services, the Town of Stratford now officially holds title to the property, paving the way for more than 100 units of affordable senior housing under the direction of the Stratford Housing Authority,

LLC.

The Ella T. Grasso Regional Center, located in Stratford, closed in 2016. The Connecticut General Assembly approved its transfer to the Town in 2018 for the purpose of affordable housing development. Since then, Stratford has worked closely with the state Office

of Policy and Management (OPM), to complete the conveyance.

Despite delays over the eight-year period, yesterday’s conveyance ensures the property will serve Stratford residents in need of affordable housing.

Mayor Laura R. Hoydick celebrated the achievement, stating: “This is a historic and significant moment for Stratford. The conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property allows us to move forward with plans that will directly benefit and support our seniors. With

more than 100 units of affordable housing to be developed through an agreement between the Town and the Stratford Housing Authority, we are not just building homes; we are strengthening our community and honoring our commitment to provide dignity, security,

and opportunity to those who have given so much to Stratford.”

As part of the original Connecticut State delegation that initiated the conveyance in 2018, Representative Joseph Gresko expressed his gratitude for the completion of the conveyance, remarking, “After nearly eight years, I am proud to have shepherded the

conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property through the State Property Review Board. Working in partnership with Mayor Laura Hoydick and the Attorney General’s Office, we were able to bring this long process to a successful fruition. This milestone reflects

true collaboration and will provide lasting benefits for the Stratford community.”

Representative Ben McGorty added his appreciation for the outcome, saying, “I’m grateful to see the conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property finalized after so many years. This was a long process, but through teamwork and persistence, we were able to get

it done for the benefit of Stratford.”

The Stratford Housing Authority will now lead the development effort, focusing on high-quality, affordable housing that reflects both community priorities and legislative intent.

Mayor Hoydick summed up the importance of the occasion, “This finalization represents the fulfillment of a vision nearly a decade in the making and signals a new chapter for the Ella Grasso property – one centered on service, community, and opportunity.”