2023-10-23@11:41am–#Westport CT– #Fairfield CT– A car with three occupants on Greens Farm Road struck a police car. The car fled on I-95 before being abandoned there. Fairfield Police K-9 located the suspects on Valley Road (near Guyer Road) and they were taken into custody.
2023-10-22@4:30pm–#Westport CT– First responders are having a difficult time getting to the scene of a crash on I-95 southbound due to heavy traffic. I believe Wilton was the only fire department to get to the scene first.
Latest update:
Westport Police are currently in the midst of an intensive search for two missing boaters. The incident unfolded on October 22, 2023, at approximately 4:09 PM, when Westport Police were alerted to a boating mishap, potentially involving two missing individuals. A concerned boater in the vicinity of Cockenoe Island discovered a man standing on Nun #2, a navigational buoy, at around 4:00 PM. Promptly, a second man and a woman were also rescued from the water. All three individuals were swiftly transported to Norwalk Marina and subsequently to a hospital for a comprehensive evaluation.
Given the language barrier encountered at the scene, a translator was requested. Once responding officers were able to communicate with the individuals involved, it became evident that a total of five people were on board a small fishing boat that had sunk, compelling all of them to enter the water.
The search efforts, spearheaded by Westport Police Marine Division and complemented by the US Coast Guard, Norwalk Police Marine Division, Fairfield Police Marine Division, and Suffolk County Air Unit, are actively underway. Their primary objective is to locate the vessel on which these individuals were aboard and to find the two missing individuals, both hailing from Spring Valley, NY, and Suffern, NY. Collaborative efforts with translators are being employed to facilitate this investigation.
The incident transpired sometime after 9:30 AM on the morning of October 22, when the small fishing boat was anchored on the southside of Cockenoe Island and ultimately sank due to the choppy waters. As mentioned, all five occupants ended up in the Sound. Search operations commenced but were temporarily suspended at 9:00 PM on the same day, only to resume at sunrise the following morning. Both US Coast Guard Marine and Air Units, as well as the Suffolk County Air Unit, are providing invaluable assistance in this ongoing search and rescue mission.
Police UPDATE: On October 22, 2023, at approximately 4:09 PM, Westport Police were alerted to a boating incident with the possibility of two missing people. Around 4:00 PM, a boater in the vicinity of Cockenoe Island discovered a male standing on Nun #2 (a navigational buoy). A second male and a female were also rescued from the water. All three individuals were transported to Norwalk Marina and subsequently to the hospital for evaluation.
A translator was requested, and once responding officers were able to speak with the involved parties, it was learned that there were a total of five individuals on a small boat that sank, causing all parties to enter the water. Westport Police Marine Division, with the assistance of the US Coast Guard, Norwalk Police Marine Division, Fairfield Police Marine Division, and Suffolk County Air Unit, is actively searching the waters in an attempt to locate the vessel these individuals were on and the two missing parties.
Boaters who were in the area of Cockenoe Island between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM on October 22, 2023, are urged to contact the Westport Police Department at (203) 341-6000.
Coast Guard, Norwalk, and Westport combine on a water rescue off Long Island Sound. Sound like they are headed into a yacht club in Norwalk.
On October 15, 2023, Westport Police took 59-year-old Robert Matturro into custody in connection with a domestic violence incident that transpired earlier in the year. Matturro, a resident of Greenwich, CT, now faces charges of first-degree criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
The incident in question unfolded on the morning of May 9, 2023. According to the complainant, Matturro, identified as an ex-boyfriend, appeared uninvited at their residence. He allegedly began by banging on the front door and, upon receiving no response, proceeded to an unlocked back door through which he gained entry.
Once inside, the situation escalated. Despite the complainant’s repeated demands for him to depart, Matturro refused. An argument ensued, during which the complainant’s fear was heightened due to Matturro’s history of violence. Following the confrontation, Matturro left the premises, prompting the complainant to alert the authorities.
In the aftermath of the incident, Westport Police initiated a thorough investigation, eventually securing an arrest warrant for Matturro. The case progressed until October 15th, when Westport officers, responding to information from Greenwich Police Department, apprehended Matturro, who was being detained there.
Matturro was subsequently transported to Westport Police Department, where he was officially charged. After his arrest, he was released on a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled for a court appearance on October 16, 2023, at Stamford Superior Court to answer to the charges.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Westport Police to thoroughly investigate reports of domestic disturbances and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Their collaboration with other local law enforcement agencies, as demonstrated in Matturro’s arrest, is a testament to their dedication to upholding justice across jurisdictional lines.
(Westport Police Press Release)
WESTPORT, CT — On October 12, 2023, authorities apprehended Jaleesa Banner, a 34-year-old resident of Wilmington, DE, concluding a prolonged investigation into a shoplifting incident that occurred earlier this year.
The investigation was set into motion on July 26, 2023, when the Westport Police Department was alerted to a case of larceny at a local HomeGoods store. The report, initiated around 6:41 PM, came from the store’s loss prevention team, who had observed an instance of alleged shoplifting through video surveillance footage. Interestingly, the individual captured on camera in Westport was also seen returning the stolen items at a HomeGoods location in Stamford, establishing a pattern of behavior.
At the inception of the case, the suspect’s identity remained elusive. However, determined efforts by Westport detectives led to a breakthrough. By collaborating with neighboring police departments and distributing the surveillance footage, they were able to put a name to the suspect’s face. Jaleesa Banner was eventually identified as the person believed to be responsible for the thefts.
Following this identification, an arrest warrant was issued for Ms. Banner. In the early hours of October 12, at approximately 1:00 AM, the Connecticut State Police took her into custody and informed the Westport authorities of the development. She was subsequently transferred to the Westport Police Department.
Upon her arrival, Ms. Banner was formally charged with fifth-degree larceny, a serious allegation reflecting the nature of her purported activities. A court set her bond at $25,000, underlining the gravity of the charge.
Following her arrest, Jaleesa Banner faced the legal consequences of her actions. She was transported to Stamford Superior Court the next day, October 13, 2023, for her arraignment, marking the next phase in a case that combines diligent police work with inter-departmental collaboration.
The Westport Police Department’s commitment to resolving this case underscores their dedication to the safety and security of local businesses and the broader community. The apprehension of Ms. Banner serves as a strong reminder that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against such acts of theft and are prepared to utilize all resources at their disposal to ensure justice is served.
Jaleesa has also been arrested in Delaware> https://dsp.delaware.gov/…/traffic-stop-leads-to…/
On October 6, an arrest was made in connection to the shots fired incident that occurred on July 11 in Saugatuck. The arrested individual is a 17-year-old juvenile from Stratford, who was already incarcerated at Manson Youth Institute due to a prior arrest by a different agency. The apprehension followed an extensive investigation conducted by the Detective Bureau, involving multiple interviews and search warrants. The charges brought against the juvenile include Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Endangerment 1st, Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment 1st, Breach of Peace, and Conspiracy to Commit Breach of Peace. A court appearance at Bridgeport Juvenile Court is scheduled for October 13, and it is anticipated that additional arrests may follow.
The incident on July 11, 2023, took place around 9:48 PM when the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received numerous 911 calls regarding shots fired in the vicinity of Saugatuck Avenue and Franklin Street. In response, patrol units were dispatched promptly to the scene. Initial investigations revealed that witnesses observed a nondescript white vehicle traveling north on Franklin Street, then north on Saugatuck Avenue, and subsequently turning west on Sunrise Road. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots being fired from the vehicle as it made the turn onto Sunrise Road. To facilitate the ongoing investigation, the Westport Police encourage residents in the area to review their surveillance cameras and report any suspicious activity they might have captured to the Westport Detective Bureau at (203) 341-6080, the tip line (203) 520-3831, or directly to Detective John Lauria at dlauria@westportct.gov.
UPDATED WITH ADDITIONAL ARREST INFORMATION – Vincys Baez Arrested:
On October 18th, Vincys Baez (DOB: 06/03/03) of Waterbury was arrested at Stamford Superior Court for his involvement in the September 17th carjacking incident. Baez was the second individual captured on the surveillance camera. He has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including Home Invasion, Burglary 1st, Robbery by Carjacking, Assault 3rd, Reckless Endangerment, Larceny 1st, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 1st, Robbery 1st, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery 1st. He is being held on a $500,000 court-set bond and is scheduled to be arraigned later today.
UPDATED WITH ADDITIONAL ARREST INFORMATION – Garrett Gibbs Arrested:
On October 6th, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department, Westport Detectives took Garrett Gibbs (DOB: 04/19/2001) of Waterbury into custody for his involvement in the same carjacking incident. Gibbs faces charges of Home Invasion, Burglary 1st, Robbery by Carjacking, Assault 3rd, Larceny 1st, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 1st, and Robbery 1st. He is currently being held at the Westport Police Department on a court-ordered $500,000.00 bond and has a court date scheduled for October 16th, 2023, at Stamford Superior Court.
Juvenile Arrested in Connection with Carjacking:
In a separate development, a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested in connection with the carjacking that occurred on September 17th. The arrest followed the execution of a search warrant in Berlin, CT, where four stolen motor vehicles, including the Aston Martin taken during the carjacking, were recovered. The juvenile faces a range of charges, including Home Invasion, Strangulation 1st Degree, Robbery by Carjacking, Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Attempt to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, Assault 3rd Degree, Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, and Illegal Taking of Payment Card. Westport Detectives are seeking an order to detain, and if granted, the juvenile will be transported to Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center.
Chief and First Selectwoman Statements:
Chief Foti Koskinas and First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in solving the case and expressed gratitude for their professionalism and dedication. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining safety and security in the community.
Acknowledgments:
Westport Police expressed their gratitude to the CT State Police Violent Crime Task Force, Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force, Berlin Police Department, and Waterbury Police Department for their valuable assistance in the investigation.
(Westport, CT) In May 2023, the Westport Police Detective Bureau initiated an investigation after a victim fell victim to a sophisticated financial scam. The victim, who was ensnared in January 2023, transferred money from their retirement account into a “Kraken” Cryptocurrency account. Subsequently, between January and March 2023, scammers managed to siphon off over three million dollars’ worth of Bitcoin to cryptocurrency wallets beyond the victim’s control. Collaborating with the CT State Police Organized Crime Task Force, the Westport Police Detective Bureau successfully traced the transactions and froze all associated accounts, ultimately leading to individuals in Pakistan. While apprehending the culprits is unlikely, Westport Police are pleased to announce the recovery of 3.2 million dollars, returned to the victim.
Westport Police aims to emphasize the importance of vigilance within our community, especially in the face of evolving scams. We’re committed to raising awareness about such crypto scams and offering guidance on how to safeguard against falling prey to them. Stay informed and protect yourself from these deceptive schemes.
On September 30, 2022 at approximately 11:30 PM, Westport Police responded to a one-car motor vehicle crash on Cross Highway in the area of #188. Responding Officers located the crash and found the operator, Sholah Weinbaum of Westport, CT, aged 61 at the time, seated in the driver seat. Upon interaction, the investigating officer began speaking with Ms. Weinbaum and it was apparent she was allegedly operating the motor vehicle while potentially under the influence. Notable observations included her slurred speech, the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage, and her inability to recount how the crash happened. She was subsequently transported to the hospital. Following a thorough investigation, an arrest warrant was issued. On September 22, 2023, Ms. Weinbaum surrendered herself in connection to the active warrant. She was subsequently charged with Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Drive in Proper Lane. After the arrest, she was released on a court-set bond of $5,000.00. Her court hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2023 at Stamford Superior Court.
2023-09-24@ 9:22pm–#cttraffic– A crash on the Merritt Parkway northbound between exits 42 and 44 has the highway closed. Report of a tree on topof one of the vehicles after a car took it down.
