Category: Valley

Stratford Police Arrest Two in Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution Investigation

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Stratford, CT – Following a months-long investigation into fentanyl and cocaine distribution, the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice, and Intelligence (NVI) Unit executed multiple search warrants on March 7, 2025, resulting in the arrests of two individuals.

William Pjura, 29, of Ansonia, was identified as a key distributor supplying street-level drug dealers throughout Stratford. Search warrants were executed at residences in Ansonia and Shelton, as well as on a vehicle and Pjura himself, with assistance from federal and state law enforcement agencies. Pjura was charged with multiple drug offenses, including the operation of an illegal drug factory and possession with intent to sell fentanyl, crack cocaine, and other narcotics. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 17.

George Rich, 60, also of Ansonia, was arrested at the same location and charged with illegal possession of narcotics and obtaining prescriptions unlawfully. He was released on a $5,000 bond with a court date set for March 17.

Authorities seized approximately 42 grams of crack cocaine, 84 grams of fentanyl, oxycodone pills, a 2010 Cadillac CTS, and $1,600 in cash. The investigation was supported by the DEA and FBI task forces, along with the Connecticut State Police.

Convicted Felon Arrested After Shots Fired in Ansonia

On March 7, 2025 at about 10:30 P.M., the Ansonia Police Department received multiple calls reporting shots fired from in or around 84 Franklin Street. A witness reported seeing a gun pointed out a window at the location and fired towards the rear of the house into the woods. Officers made contact with the owner/resident, another occupant of the home and shell casings were located outside the home. A search warrant was obtained for the home and located during the search were two handguns, a shotgun, three BB guns, and ammunition for the handguns and shotgun.

Ryan Ortiz, age 39, the owner of the home is a convicted felon for Illegal Sale of Firearm in New York. He was arrested for five counts Criminal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Pistol, held on a $250,000.00 bond to be arraigned in Derby Superior Court March 10, 2025

The investigation is ongoing to determine who fired the gun and additional charges are anticipated.

All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Two Arrested in Ansonia Street Robbery as Police Condemn Bystanders’ Inaction

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On March 5, 2025, the Ansonia Police Department obtained arrest warrants for the March 1, 2025 robbery complaint that occurred on the street in front of 370 East Main Street, The Spot restaurant and lounge. While the beginning of this case and investigation showed the downside of social media with people more interested in recording and posting the incident and not reporting it. Once the video was posted there were numerous people who responded and provided information to help identify the involved parties. The information coupled with the work of Detective Shawn Mendenhall resulted in the arrest of Tashira Sparks and Carl Octavio Brown for their involvement in the incident. Sparks was the female in the video and Brown was the male recording.

Tashira Sparks, age 19, of Ansonia was charged with Robbery Third Degree, Conspiracy to Robbery Third Degree, Larceny Second Degree, Conspiracy to Larceny Second Degree, Threatening Second Degree, Unlawful Restraint First Degree, and Breach of Peace Second Degree. Sparks was held on a $250,000.00 bond to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on March 6, 2025.

Carl Octavio Brown, age 29, of Bridgeport was charged with Robbery Third Degree, Conspiracy to Robbery Third Degree, Larceny Second Degree, Conspiracy to Larceny Second Degree, and Breach of Peace Second Degree. Brown was held on a $250,000.00 bond to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on March 6, 2025.

The following is a statement from Chief Williams.

“Last evening, detectives and officers from the Ansonia Police Department obtained arrest warrants and took two suspects into custody for the robbery in front of The Spot in Ansonia. 

As Chief of the Ansonia Police Department, I am outraged by the recent street robbery in which a victim was attacked while bystanders stood by, recording the crime for social media instead of calling for help. This is not just disappointing—it is disgraceful.  Let me be absolutely clear: this is not an accurate depiction of the residents of the City of Ansonia. When someone is being victimized, the right thing to do is to step up—call 911, get help, do something. Instead, people chose to pull out their phones and chase social media attention while an innocent person was suffering. That is completely unacceptable. Criminals thrive when people choose apathy over action. Every second wasted recording instead of reporting puts victims at greater risk and allows criminals to escape justice. We cannot allow this kind of behavior to become normal. Let me also issue a challenge to our society—be better. If you see something, do something. Your phone should be a tool for calling for help, not for exploiting someone’s pain for likes, clicks and shares.


I want to thank those that have stepped up after the fact to provide information on the suspects in this case.”   

Road Rage Turns Robbery Outside Ansonia Bar, Police Seek Suspects

Ansonia police are investigating a robbery outside The Spot restaurant and lounge on March 1, where a driver allegedly stole a man’s wallet and phone after a car accident. Authorities are urging the public to stop sharing a viral video of the incident and instead provide information to help identify those involved.

Ansonia Opera House Renovations Planned

Major Renovations Planned for Historic Building to Improve Safety, Accessibility

A historic building is set for significant renovations aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and overall functionality. The project will address key concerns, including insufficient means of egress, outdated mechanical systems, and a lack of adequate restroom facilities.

The presentation was led by Paolo Campos, principal of the New Haven-based architectural firm Patriquin Architects, who unveiled conceptual plans for transforming the 155-year-old building to city officials and about 50 public attendees.

Currently, the building lacks stairwells and relies on fire escapes, which are no longer considered a safe evacuation method for a space that can accommodate hundreds of people. As part of the renovation, a new enclosed fire stairwell will be installed to meet modern safety codes, along with an updated entry system. Additionally, elevators will be added to improve accessibility to the second floor.

Another major component of the project includes converting the second floor into a restroom hub, featuring men’s and women’s restrooms as well as family-style facilities. Administrative offices, mechanical spaces, and a coat check area will also be incorporated into the layout.

The renovation will completely overhaul the building’s mechanical systems, including lighting and balcony reconstruction. The updated balcony design is expected to enhance the experience for visitors attending performances or events in the assembly space, which will retain its historic seating. The space is designed to accommodate various events, from live performances to meetings and film screenings, with a projection booth planned at the far end.

Project cost estimates currently range between $5 million and $8 million per square foot, with a total budget expected to fall between $15 million and $18 million. However, final costs will depend on factors such as materials, labor, and funding sources. The project is seeking both state and federal funding to support the renovations, with officials confident in securing financial backing.

“This is an expensive project, but we are actively pushing to secure funding at multiple levels,” a project representative stated.

The renovation aims to modernize the building while preserving its historic charm, ensuring it remains a functional and safe space for future generations.

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