Category: Westport

(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department is actively investigating a motor vehicle crash that
occurred this evening at approximately 6:45pm on Imperial Avenue in the vicinity of Post Road
East. The crash involved a vehicle striking two pedestrians, resulting in significant injuries.
Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services were promptly dispatched to the scene
following a 911 call. Upon arrival, first responders provided immediate medical attention to the
injured pedestrians, who were subsequently transported to Norwalk Hospital for further treatment.
Their current conditions are listed as critical.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Preliminary
findings indicate that the vehicle was traveling north on Imperial Avenue when it veered off the road
and struck the pedestrians on the sidewalk.
The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily redirected to ensure the safety of all
individuals in the area. The Westport Police Accident Investigation Team is partnering with the
Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team. They are conducting a thorough examination of the
scene and collecting evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
The Westport Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has relevant
information to contact Detective Erin Shaw at 203.341.6023.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. We appreciate the public’s patience
and cooperation as we work diligently to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

Westport, CT—Human Services Director Elaine Daignault announced the launch of the Town’s annual Back-to-School and Afterschool Child Care Campaign today. The Family-to-Family fundraising campaign helps income-eligible Westport families and students prepare for the upcoming academic year.

According to Daignault, “As exciting as the back-to-school season is, many Westport families face difficult financial decisions as they navigate the rising cost of food and housing expenses combined with the additional burden of purchasing school supplies and clothing for their children immediately following summer childcare and camp expenses that have stretched their budgets.”

Human Services Family-to-Family programs rely on community donations to provide crucial resources for Westport’s financially insecure families. Community contributions allow Human Service to:

• distribute Walmart gift cards to bridge the financial gap for families who must purchase school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and other essentials to prepare their children for the new school year.
• provide families with crucial aftercare financial assistance for children who require safe, enriching, and nurturing environments after school so their parents can continue to work and provide for their families.

“Community donations provide more than financial support; they also create a community connection for families that can often feel disconnected from their peer groups, offering financial and moral support during difficult times,” said Daignault.

Tax-deductible donations of any amount will directly and positively impact the lives of those in need. No contribution is too small; every dollar counts in Human Services’ efforts to support hardworking families. To contribute:

• ONLINE – go to www.westportct.gov/donate to access Westport Human Services’ donation portal “We Care Westport” and click “Family to Family Programs—Seasonal Program.”
• BY MAIL – with checks payable to the “Town of Westport Human Services” (Family Programs- BTS or Afterschool Program in the memo line) at 110 Myrtle Ave Westport, CT  06880.
• DROP OFF – Walmart gift card donations to Westport Human Services Room 200 at Town Hall.

Family Program Specialist Annette D’Augelli adds, “Thank you in advance for your consideration and support in making the Back-to-School and Afterschool Childcare Program successful. Together, we can create an environment where every student has the tools to thrive academically and achieve their full potential.”

For more information, the Westport Human Services care team can be reached at (203)341-1050 or humansrv@westport.gov. If you or a friend need help, rest assured that every inquiry is confidential, with professional social workers providing a listening ear and resources to assist in determining available resources and support.

Report of a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle that crashed on I-95 Southbound by exit 18. First responders are on the scene are saying that exit 18 is closed at this time.

On July 26, 2024, at approximately 12:35 pm, Westport Police responded to 361 Post Road West (M & T Bank) to investigate an unknown female attempting to withdraw money with fraudulent identification. Responding officers located the female walking in the Whole Foods parking lot and identified her as Brooke Robinson. Through an investigation, the officer determined that Ms. Robinson was allegedly in possession of personal identifying information of an M & T account holder and was allegedly attempting to access their accounts.

Ms. Robinson was arrested and transported to Westport Police Department, where she was charged with the above crimes and held on bond. Unable to post her bond, Ms. Robinson was transported to Stamford Superior Court on July 29, 2024, for arraignment.

Today’s vehicle fire is a truck that caught on fire on I-95 Southbound by exit 19. First responders are on their way, one firefighter on scene is reporting that their rear breaks are on fire.

On July 27, 2024, around 3:08 a.m., state troopers from Troop G – Bridgeport responded to a car accident on I-95 southbound near Exit 17 in Westport.

At the scene, a stationary State Police cruiser with its emergency lights on, assigned to Trooper Galej (#1158), was positioned in the left lane.

A 2015 Kia Sorrento, driven by Sonny Abdul-Hardy (born February 21, 1977), was traveling in the left lane and failed to slow down or move over. Abdul-Hardy’s vehicle hit the rear of the stationary police cruiser.

Trooper Galej was outside his vehicle at the time of the accident and was not injured.

Abdul-Hardy was treated on-site by Norwalk EMS for minor injuries but refused to be transported to a hospital.

Both the cruiser and the Kia were towed away due to severe damage.

Abdul-Hardy received a ticket for following too closely and failing to move over for an emergency vehicle, violating Connecticut’s “Move Over” law.

The Connecticut State Police remind drivers to be extra careful when approaching police, fire, EMS, Department of Transportation vehicles, and tow trucks. These operators are working to keep highways safe.

Remember, Connecticut law requires drivers to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles on the highway.

Back-to-School Supply Drive

(Westport, CT) – From Sunday, July 28, 2024, through Sunday, August 4th, the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force (WDVTF) will be collecting back-to-school supplies for residents of the two Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) safe houses that serve our area and DVCC’s community clients. This year, our community partners, the Westport Rotary Club and Positive Directions, are joining in this effort.

The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) supports individuals on their journey to safety. DVCC advocates for individuals who are experiencing abuse in personal relationships. The DVCC’s role is to help those experiencing any level of domestic violence and assist them in building a safer environment for the well-being of themselves and their families. Their services include housing and financial advocacy, legal advocacy, trauma-informed individual and group counseling, and emergency safe housing. All victim services are free and confidential, and all services offered are multicultural/multilingual.

The DVCC safe house and community clients need the following items to ensure the children are prepared for the new school year:

• New & Unused Backpacks
• Notebooks
• Pens/Pencils/Highlighters/Crayons
• Lunch Boxes
• 3×3 Sticky note pads
• 3 Ring binders
• Graphing Calculators
• Gift cards (Staples, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.)

Donations can be left in the collection bins at the following locations between July 29th and August 4th:

• Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road, Westport
• Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West, Westport

The WDVTF would like to extend our gratitude to the Westport Rotary Club and Positive Directions for their assistance with the supply drive. We would also like to thank the Westport community for its generosity and support, year after year.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, help can be reached via the 24-hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900, and additional information can be found on the DVCC website, www.dvccct.org.

For more information on Westport Domestic Violence Task Force membership and initiatives, please check out our Facebook page: Westport Domestic Violence Task Force.

The Westport Police Department advises all residents and motorists that the CT Challenge Bicycle Ride
will be starting in Fairfield before entering Westport this Saturday, July 27. The shorter rides will enter
town in the area of Beachside Avenue while the longer routes enter town on Long Lots Road.
This event uses a staggered start, but the majority of riders will be on the road between the hours of 7:00
AM and 9:00 AM. The route for this ride takes participants on multiple roads across the east side of
Westport and surrounding towns.
The police department asks that motorists use caution and be mindful of riders as they travel through
town.

Westport Police remind residents to stay vigilant in locking their cars and homes. Over this past weekend, Fairfield County, including Westport saw an increase in stolen vehicle attempts and larcenies from unlocked cars. Please lock your homes and vehicles, utilize alarm and surveillance systems, and report any suspicious behavior to the Westport Police Department.