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.
Category: Valley
Route 8 Rollover
First responders responded for a one car rollover accident on Route 8 southbound a mile prior to exit 7. Two males were seen running across the highway into the wooded area.
2025-03-01@12:50am–#Shelton CT
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 The project will address key concerns, including insufficient means of egress, outdated mechanical systems, and a lack of adequate restroom facilities.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.
Derby News: Fire At BJ’s
Report of a fire at the back door of the BJ’s Wholesale Club on Division Street in Derby. Firefighters are on scene.
Derby Pursuit Ends In Bridgeport
Derby and State Police pursued a blue Honda Civic wanted for shoplifting and then hitting 2 police cruisers through multiple towns on Route 8, I-95 and the Merritt Parkway. Police were able to get a front tire to go flat after striking spike sticks at I-95 split on Route 8/25. The pursuit came to an end at Highland and Washington Avenue. Two were taken into custody.
2025-01-25@8:40pm–#Derby CT #bridgeport
Valley News: Dog Rescue
On Wednesday January 8, 2025 at approximately 3:30PM a dog was reported to be in the middle of the road in the area of 200 South Main Street. Good Samaritans trying to retrieve the dog startled it and it ran down an approximate 200’ embankment to the train tracks below. The dog was then observed in a culvert that connected to an 18” drain pipe that went under the rail lines.
Seymour Fire Department crews responded and under the direction of Chief Chris Edwards called for a hold on train service and sent firefighters over the embankment utilizing a lowering system as well as utilizing a newly purchased UTV to get crews to the dog.
Unable to make entry to the pipe, Oxford Fire Department was requested to assist with the confined space entry. While awaiting additional manpower, the dog’s owner arrived. Fire Department personnel utilizing the UTV took the owner to the culvert and were able to coax the scared, but uninjured dog out.
The dog, Nicky, an approximately one year old Shih Tzu, was evaluated by animal control personnel. Thank you to the Citizens’ Engine Company, Great Hill Hose Company, Seymour EMS, MTA Police, and Oxford Fire Department for your efforts in bringing the dog home.
Structure Fire
There is a THREE-alarm fire in the 200 block of Minerva Street. Heavy fire was reported on the back side of the building.
2024-12-25 #Derby CT– #ctfire
Route 8 Rollover
Report of a one-car rollover on Route 8 northbound near exit 9. The driver was able to get out of the car on their own. No word on any injuries.
2024-12-13@11:31pm–#Shelton CT– #cttraffic
Ansonia Police Investigate Pork Hollow Road Shooting
On December 8, 2024 at about 7:25 P.M. the Ansonia Police Department received a shots fired complaint on Pork Hollow Road. The first officers on scene found a 37-year-old Ansonia resident that was shot in the lower body along with evidence of multiple shots fired. The male was transported to a local hospital for the non-life-threatening injury. During the investigation a vehicle of interest has been identified, it is a newer model Ford Mustang convertible, color blue or grey with white license plates. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is currently no danger to the public.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.
Route 8 Rollover
UPDATED with video from a viewer. First responders are helping free a person trapped in a rollover accident on Route 8 southbound near exit 9.
2024-12-09-11:01am–#cttraffic
