Category: Westport

A new initiative within the department: the Community Care Unit

(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department is pleased to announce the formalization of the Community Care Unit (CCU), an initiative that builds on long-standing collaboration between the Police Department and the Town of Westport’s Human Services Department and other community partners. The CCU is led by Lieutenant Sereniti Dobson and Officer Ruta Pratt.

Since Fall 2025, Lt. Dobson and Officer Pratt have been closely tracking the increasing volume and complexity of calls involving individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises. These efforts reinforced the need for clear directionality and coordinated response pathways that extend beyond the immediate police intervention. The CCU strengthens that directionality by aligning police response with established Human Services referral, follow-up, and care coordination processes through a trauma-informed approach.

The purpose of the CCU is to enhance the Department’s ability to identify individuals who may benefit from additional support and ensure timely, appropriate connection to Westport Human Services and community-based resources. These supports include mental health care, addiction services, and other social service interventions designed to address underlying needs and reduce repeated calls for service.

While the Police Department and the Human Services Department, directed by Elaine Daignault, have collaborated for decades, the CCU formalizes and expands this partnership by clarifying roles and strengthening follow-through. Police officers remain focused on managing immediate safety concerns, while Human Services leads resource navigation, referral, and ongoing engagement. This shared framework allows for continuity of care beyond the initial police response and supports long-term stabilization.

Lt. Dobson and Officer Pratt will work closely with patrol officers, Human Services staff, and community providers to ensure a compassionate, consistent, and solution-focused response. Through this collaborative model, the CCU reinforces a unified system of care that prioritizes safety, accountability, and meaningful follow-up for individuals and families served by the Town of Westport.

Westport Police Department Announces Change to Railroad Parking Violation Fine Schedule

(Westport, CT) Effective on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the fine for non-permit holder parking violations at both Westport Railroad Station lots will increase.

At the request of the Westport Police Department, the Board of Selectmen recently approved an increase of the fine amount for non-permit holders parking in permit holder designated areas of the lots. The current fine of $25.00 for these violations will increase to $50.00 beginning on Tuesday.

This measure is intended to ensure that permit parking designated areas remain accessible only to parking permit holders. As has always been the case, daily parking areas are available at both stations for non-permit holders.

Anyone seeking general information about permit parking and/or wishing to purchase a permit can do so by following the link below:

https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/police-department/railroad-parking/permit-parking

Brooklyn Man Arrested in Illegal Cannabis Sales Investigation at Westport Smoke Shop

The Westport Police Department announced the arrest of Mohemed Hedimy, 25, of Brooklyn, New York, in connection with an investigation into illegal marijuana sales at Savvy Smoker, located at 940 Post Road East in Westport. The investigation began in March 2025 following multiple complaints regarding unlawful cannabis sales at the business.

On April 8, 2025, Westport Police, assisted by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division, executed a search and seizure warrant at the location, recovering various illegal marijuana and THC-containing products. Based on the evidence seized, an arrest warrant was issued for Hedimy, a sales associate at the store. On January 12, 2026, Stamford Police Department notified Westport Police that Hedimy was in their custody on the active warrant. He was transported to Westport Police Headquarters, charged with Illegal Sale/Manufacture of Cannabis, and held on a court-set bond of $150,000. Hedimy was unable to post bond and was transported to Stamford Superior Court for arraignment on January 13, 2026.

Westport Police Warn of Alarming Rise in Vehicle Thefts and Attempted Thefts

Westport, CT — January 7, 2026 — The Westport Police Department is urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant following an alarming trend identified in recent investigations involving stolen vehicles and attempted vehicle thefts.

As has been the case for several years, Westport continues to be a persistent target for car thieves. What once largely involved suspects quietly walking neighborhoods overnight to avoid confrontation has evolved into far more aggressive and brazen behavior. Police say offenders are now operating at all hours of the day and night, targeting both public and private locations, and increasingly following specific vehicles and victims.

In multiple recent cases, victims reported encountering suspects in their driveways or inside residential garages shortly after returning home. Investigators believe many of these victims were deliberately targeted and followed from locations such as grocery stores or service stations, where vehicles were left unoccupied long enough to allow a theft attempt. In one recent incident, a suspect entered a vehicle in a public parking lot believing it to be empty, only to encounter a teenage juvenile seated in the back seat. The suspect fled after being startled.

Police stress that vehicle theft remains extremely prevalent in Westport and surrounding communities. A consistent factor in these incidents is vehicles being left unlocked, running, or with keys or key fobs inside or within easy reach.

The Westport Police Department has multiple active investigations underway and continues to use all available tools to identify and hold suspects accountable. However, officials note that offenders are increasingly employing countermeasures to avoid identification and apprehension.

Residents and visitors are strongly urged to take preventative measures, including locking vehicles, removing keys and fobs from the passenger compartment, securing garages, and avoiding leaving vehicles unattended even briefly. Police emphasize that situational awareness is now just as critical as physical security measures.

Authorities warn that direct encounters with suspects could lead to dangerous outcomes. Anyone who observes suspicious activity or believes they are being followed is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately or drive to the nearest police station. When returning home, residents are encouraged to park in enclosed garages when possible and secure doors promptly. In several recent cases, police say only seconds were needed for a theft attempt to occur.

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Westport Public Works Shares Winter Plowing Guidelines and Safety Reminders

The Westport Department of Public Works (DPW) has shared important winter weather information as crews prepare to plow and treat town roadways. Officials are urging residents to slow down and use extra caution when driving during snow and ice conditions.

DPW is responsible for maintaining 124 miles of town roads with a limited number of plow drivers, making plowing priorities necessary. Main roads are cleared first, with special attention given to steep hills and challenging intersections, followed by side streets and then dead-end roads. On side streets, plow drivers typically make one pass to keep roads open while focusing on ensuring main roads remain accessible for emergency vehicles.

Residents are reminded not to pass or closely follow snowplows, as plow trucks have large blind spots and cannot stop or maneuver quickly. Passing plows can be dangerous due to limited visibility, blowing snow that can create whiteout conditions, and snow ridges forming between lanes. DPW notes that slower plowing speeds allow drivers to better apply road salt, helping reduce costs and environmental impact.

The department also emphasized the demanding nature of snowplow operations, which require hours of concentration while navigating large vehicles in dark, cold, and hazardous conditions. Residents are asked to remain patient and cautious when encountering plow trucks on the road.

DPW explained that snowplows angle their blades to the right, pushing snow toward the roadside. As a result, snow accumulation at the end of private driveways is unavoidable and remains the homeowner’s responsibility to clear, not the town’s.

The town also prohibits private snowplow contractors from pushing snow from driveways or parking lots onto public roads, as it creates hazards and interferes with municipal plowing. If snow must be pushed into the roadway due to limited space, contractors are required to re-plow the street until it is safe for travel.

Under Town Ordinance Sec. 50-407, businesses are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks along their properties. DPW also clarified its mailbox damage policy, stating the town will only repair or replace mailboxes struck directly by a plow blade. Damage caused by snow thrown from the roadway or by private plowing contractors is not the town’s responsibility.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Westport Public Works at 203-341-1120.

Second Warrant at Sono One Stop Leads to Arrest and New Violations Under Norwalk Vape Shop Ordinance

On December 3, 2025, the Norwalk Police Department’s Special Services Division executed a second search and seizure warrant at Sono One Stop, located at 83 Washington Street. The store had previously been searched in January 2025, and officers were aware that clerk Aiman Faroq Mohsen-Alhodais also had an active arrest warrant for the sale of a controlled substance. The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into Norwalk smoke shops suspected of selling cannabis and cannabis products without a valid state cannabis license. Under Connecticut law, products containing more than 0.3% THC cannot be sold without a licensed cannabis permit, and marijuana can only be sold at authorized dispensaries.

Earlier this year, Norwalk adopted a new ordinance regulating vape and smoke shops due to repeated issues with illegal marijuana sales. The ordinance imposes a $250 fine for a first violation, a six-month license suspension for a second violation within twelve months, and full license revocation upon a third violation within twenty-four months. Shops with suspended or revoked licenses must remove all vape products from the premises, with each day of noncompliance constituting a separate offense. During the December 3rd search, investigators recovered approximately 1.5 pounds of cannabis products, including pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, THC edibles, and marijuana-filled containers. Mohsen-Alhodais was taken into custody without incident, and the recovery of illegal products marks Sono One Stop’s second violation under the city ordinance, following a citation issued in November.

Mohsen-Alhodais was charged on scene with possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell, with bond set at $50,000. He also faces an additional $50,000 bond on his existing warrant for the sale of a controlled substance. His court date is December 18, 2025. Police encourage anyone with information to contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111, submit anonymous internet tips at norwalkpd.com, or send anonymous text tips by texting NORWALKPD and the message to TIP411 (847411).

Longshore Golf Course Sets Season-Closing Date for December 7

Westport, CT — Parks and Recreation Director Erik Barbieri announced today that the Longshore Golf Course will officially close for the season on Sunday, December 7.

“We are pleased to have been able to extend the 2025 golf season this far into December,” said Barbieri. “On behalf of the Town of Westport, Head Golf Professional Jon Janik, Golf Course Superintendent Sean Charles, and the entire staff at Longshore, we wish all our loyal Longshore golfers a Happy and Healthy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in the spring.”

Westport Ulta Theft Case Ends in $50K Bond Arrest

Police say a months-old shoplifting case at Ulta Beauty in Westport has now resulted in an arrest after surveillance video helped identify a suspect. Store management reported the theft on November 3, after discovering the incident during a routine review of security footage from September 6.

According to investigators, two individuals entered the store together, with one intentionally creating a distraction while the second suspect, later identified as Peggy Inesti, allegedly removed multiple bottles of fragrance and testers from store shelves and placed them into a tote bag. Both suspects then exited the store without paying for the merchandise. The total loss was reported at $1,726.

Through information sharing with other law enforcement agencies investigating similar thefts in their jurisdictions, Inesti was developed as a suspect in this case. A warrant was issued for her arrest in connection with the investigation.

On November 24, Inesti turned herself in at police headquarters and was formally charged with Larceny Fourth Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Fourth Degree. Her bond was set at $50,000, which she posted prior to being released. She is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on December 8.

Traffic Advisory – Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Road Race –

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Pequot Running Club of Fairfield will be holding its annual Thanksgiving Day five-mile road race on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The race kicks off in Southport and will initially enter Westport from Pequot Avenue/Beachside Avenue.

It then travels North on Sasco Creek Road, East on Greens Farms Road, Northwest on Clapboard Hill Road, South on Maple Avenue South, West on Greens Farms Road, South on New Creek Road and then East on Beachside Avenue until the race re-enters Southport on Pequot Avenue.

The race is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am and should have completely exited all Westport roads by approximately 11:00 am. While the race is traveling through town, residents and motorists can expect temporary road closures and delays associated with the event.

Please alter any travel plans accordingly, allowing extra time for any delays caused by the event, and/or seek alternate routes around the area wherever possible.

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