Category: Westport

Westport Domestic Violence Task Force Announces Annual

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.

Westport News: Arrest made in ATM Heist

On February 22, 2024, Westport Police responded to a burglary at Wheel’s, 786 Post Road East, where the front door was found propped open and an ATM machine was missing. Following a detailed investigation involving surveillance footage, law enforcement collaboration, search warrants, and digital forensic evidence, Ethan Nieves, 22, of New Britain, CT, was identified as a suspect. On July 17, 2024, Nieves was arrested at Stamford Superior Court and charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny. He was held on a $100,000 bond for his arraignment.

Traffic Advisory for Saturday, July 27

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 Homes and Cars

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.

2024 Fireworks Traffic Advisory

The annual PAL fireworks display is set for Tuesday July 2, 2024, with a rain
date of Wednesday July 3, 2024. This is the largest annual Westport event featuring
heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic affecting all roads south of Greens Farms
Road between Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road. It is recommended that
spectators plan to arrive early as traffic delays are inevitable. Daytime Compo
Beach visitors are reminded that the beach closes at 4:00 PM. Only those vehicles
with fireworks passes hanging on their rearview mirrors will be allowed to remain
within the beach. All others will be ticketed or towed. The beach should reopen to
ticket holders by 5:00 PM, however this determination will be made by Westport
Parks and Recreation staff.
Pedestrians attending the fireworks are reminded not to walk on the roads and to
use sidewalks when going to and from Compo Beach. It is recommended that
pedestrians wear bright clothing and parents please always keep an eye on small
children!
For ticket holders:

  • Access to the PAL Fireworks display will be through South Compo Road only.
    Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be open to only those with
    residences south of that intersection.
  • Firework attendees should display the ticket prominently on the rearview mirror
    so it can be seen clearly when traveling to the event.
  • All ticket holders must be inside Compo Beach by 9:00 PM. No vehicular beach
    traffic will be allowed south of the Minuteman statue after that time.
  • Handicap parking is available between the cannons and the pavilion.
    Handicap spaces are limited and will be provided on a first come first
    served basis.
    For those who do not have tickets:
  • Vehicles without a ticket will not be able to go any further towards
    Compo Beach than the Minuteman statue.
  • Those utilizing Uber, Lyft, or Taxi services will be directed straight past
    the Minuteman Statue on Compo Road South. There, visitors can walk
    from the area of Compo Road South and Soundview Drive to the beach.
    NOTE: If you choose to use this method of transportation, return service
    will not be available until after 11pm due to one way traffic exiting the
    beach area.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR POST-FIREWORKS TRAFFIC

Just prior to the conclusion of the fireworks display two-way traffic will be suspended on Compo Beach Road and South Compo Road to the intersection of Greens Farms Road. There will be two lanes of northbound traffic on these streets until the beach is cleared. Residents of this area will encounter delays in getting to their homes for approximately one hour or until traffic has cleared from the Compo Beach area and should plan accordingly. Residents who are planning on picking up family members in the beach area should also plan for delays. Motorists are reminded there will be a significant amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the Compo Beach area prior to and after the event and are asked to please exercise extreme caution while traveling through this area.

Traffic Advisory – Great Duck Race and Westport Sidewalk Sale

The Westport Sunrise Rotary will be holding their annual Great Duck Race event on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The event’s footprint will encompass Jesup Green as well as the Taylor Municipal Parking Lot. To accommodate the set-up of the various activities associated with the event, please be advised that the municipal lot will be completely closed to the public beginning on the evening of Friday, June 28, and will re-open on the afternoon of Saturday, June 29.

The weekend will also feature two other events that will impact local traffic. The first is a sidewalk sale in the downtown area, scheduled to run from Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30. Many local merchants are expected to participate in this event. The second is the annual United Nations “jUNe Day” event. With the additional limitations on downtown parking caused by the Duck Race event’s use of the municipal lot, motorists should expect increased pedestrian traffic as well as traffic delays in the area throughout the day. Attendees are additionally reminded to use the marked crosswalks in the area when patronizing these events.

“Look For The Helpers”

Mr. Rogers, inspired by his mother’s wisdom, often reminded us to “look for the helpers” during times of crisis. This timeless advice was exemplified by Bridgeport’s own Joe Gritts. Known for his work as a social media content producer, Joe was traveling back to town when he encountered a severe accident on I-95 in Westport. Despite his camera typically capturing his every move, Joe’s immediate response to the gravity of the situation was to offer assistance to those in need.

His actions underscore an important lesson: in the face of adversity, the presence of compassionate individuals—helpers—can make all the difference. Joe’s instinctual decision to help, prioritizing human compassion over his professional habit of documenting everything, reminds us all to look for and be inspired by the helpers when we witness serious events unfold.

Update on I-95 Crash

Westport firefighters responded to a report of a car crash with injuries on I-95 Northbound between exits 17 and 18. The initial dispatch included Engine 4, Engine 5, Rescue 3, and the Shift Commander.

Engine 4 arrived first and found a heavily damaged vehicle pinned under the guard rail with one person still inside. The crew performed an initial assessment of the patient, set up a protective hose line, and helped stabilize the vehicle. Rescue 3 and Engine 5 then arrived and stabilized the vehicle further. They used hydraulic and battery-operated rescue tools, known as the “Jaws of Life,” to free the trapped driver.

The occupant was freed from the vehicle in 12 minutes, and Westport Emergency Medical Services (WEMS) took over patient care and transported the person to the hospital.

During the incident, Engine 2 was called in for extra manpower. The Connecticut State Police (CSP) were on the scene to investigate and manage traffic. The last fire unit left the scene at 9:50 PM.

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