Category: Westport

(Westport, CT) At approximately 11:14am on the morning of September 12, 2021, the Westport
Police Department’s emergency dispatch center was contacted by a couple who were the
victims of an alleged robbery attempt that occurred on the Ruth Cohen Steinkraus Post Road
Bridge. At nearly the same time the caller’s husband flagged down a patrol officer who was
driving by.
It was reported that a male party had approached the couple quickly from behind. The
suspect then began walking in step with the male victim at which time he told the couple to
bring him to their car. He repeated the demand as he allegedly brandished a knife and
threatening the female. The female then darted across the Post Road evading cars in order to
escape. Her husband followed at which time the suspect then fled the area walking eastbound
towards Jesup Road. Fortunately, neither of the victims were injured.
The victims were able to provide a detailed description of the suspect which was relayed to
all of the responding officers. Patrol units began to saturate the area from all directions in an
effort to locate the suspect. While officers were searching the area a member of the Westport
Fire Department advised that he had seen a suspect fitting the descriptors in the area of 302 Post
Road East. Officers were on scene within moments and located an individual who fit the
description provided by the victims. The suspect was then identified as James S Cummings, age
41, of Bridgeport, CT. Cummings matched all of the physical descriptors provided and was then
detained by officers where a knife was then located on his person. The victims purportedly
identified Cummings as the individual who accosted them on the bridge.
Cummings was placed under arrest and charged with Attempt to Commit Robbery in the 1 st
Degree, Attempt at Larceny in the 3 rd Degree, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, and Threatening
in the 2 nd Degree. He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.
In response to the events that unfolded today Police Chief Foti Koskinas stated “I am
extremely proud of all the officers who assisted with this incident. The high level of skill and
teamwork they exhibited led to the quick apprehension of the suspect. Additionally, I would
like to extend my gratitude to the Westport Fire Department for their assistance.”

Cummings had been out on bond at the time of this incident stemming from an arrest that
occurred on September 5, 2021, in which he was charged with Sexual Assault in the 4 th Degree
(2 Counts), Threatening in the 2 nd Degree, Attempt to Commit Assault in the 3 rd Degree, and
Reckless Endangerment in the 2 nd Degree.

This press release was made possible by:

POLICE UPDATE:

WESTPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING UNTIMELY

DEATHS

(Update 6/18/21) The adult female who was found deceased in the home at 1 Lyndale Park has
been positively identified as forty-six-year-old Tracy Do. The deceased juvenile also resided at
the above address and is Ms. Do’s daughter.

On June 18, 2021, the two deceased individuals were brought to the State Medical Examiner’s
office in Farmington to be autopsied. The Medical Examiner determined that the seven-year-
old had drowned and ruled her death a homicide. The Medical Examiner ruled Ms. Do’s death
a suicide. The Westport Police Detective Bureau along with the State Police Western District
Major Crimes Unit continue to investigate the facts and circumstances related to these two
deaths.

Chief Koskinas stated that “this is a horrible tragedy, and the police department is keeping the
family as well as the community that was so deeply affected by this in our thoughts and
prayers.”
At this time, we are not releasing any further information related to this case.

#Westport, CT At approximately 4:00 p.m. on this date the Westport Police Department along
with Westport Emergency Medical Services and the Westport Fire Department responded to a
home in Westport on a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, an adult female was
located inside the home, and it was determined that she was deceased. After finding the female,
the officers went through the interior of the residence to determine if anyone else was inside. It
was at that time that officers located a seven-year-old child who was also deceased.

The Westport Police is in the beginning stages of this investigation and is being assisted by the
State Police Major Crimes Unit. This appears to be an isolated incident and we do not believe that there is any active threat to the community.

#Westport CT– On November 1, 2019 at approximately 9:30 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to
a local Honda dealership on a report of a larceny. The complainant stated that sometime
between 8:00 p.m. on October 31 and 8:00 a.m. on November 1 an unknown individual allegedly
stole the tires and rims from two separate vehicles. Robert Mebane was developed as a suspect
in this crime after he was arrested at the same Honda dealership on December 16, 2019 for,
amongst other things, Criminal Attempt at Larceny in the Sixth Degree and Possession of
Burglary Tools.
Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for Mr. Mebane’s
arrest.
On the evening of April 8, 2021, Mr. Mebane turned himself in at the Westport Police
Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with Larceny in the Third Degree. Mr. Mebane
was released after posting a $20,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk
Superior Court on the morning of May 5, 2021.

Westport, CT – First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that, in coordination with the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD), information has been updated for those seeking the COVID-19 vaccine.

At this time, the following are eligible to register for the COVID-19 vaccine utilizing the State Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS):

 Individuals included in 1a rollout:

• Healthcare Personnel: All paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials.
• Long Term Care Facility Residents: Adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.
• First Responders at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their response to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.

and

Individuals included in phase 1b:

• Individuals 75 and older (proof of age will be required at the clinic)

Only those eligible under Phase 1a or 1b may register for the vaccine. Fill out the form to register with the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS):  https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine 

Full name, date of birth, zip code, occupation (including “retired”), and email address are required. The information entered will only be used for purposes of scheduling a vaccination and will remain confidential.

Once submitted, a confirmation email from DPH/VAMS will be sent, followed by another email that either approves or denies the registration.  If approved, registrants may then register in VAMS and select a vaccination appointment. Make sure to check email Spam/Junk folders for the emails.

For those needing online assistance, do not have access to a device, or do not have an email address to register for the vaccine, please enlist the support of a family member or caregiver.  A family member or caregiver will be needed to register, as well as receive the email communications from DPH/VAMS and schedule your appointment. 

Please note that every individual must have a unique email to be registered and vaccinated with VAMS.  For example, someone using their personal email to register an elderly parent may not be able to register or be vaccinated using that same email. The Westport Department of Human Services has set up a vaccination helpline at 203-341-5037 to assist.

Using VAMS is a Federal requirement at this time, but it is the only way at this time for an individual not in a congregate setting to register for and receive a vaccination in Connecticut. Once registered in VAMS, an appointment to receive the vaccine may be scheduled.  This is a State program and Westport residents do not need to be vaccinated in Westport. VAMS may suggest vaccination appointments in nearby communities based on the supply of available vaccinations.

The DPH directs the prioritization and timeline for vaccine rollout.  DPH continues to modify protocols and criteria for vaccination.  Follow this link for updates on the State’s vaccination phases and eligibility:  https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination—Phases Please contact your health care provider if you have questions about your health status or the vaccine.

The CT DPH is still in the process of finalizing its definition of Phase 1b eligible residents in Connecticut. We will continue to issue updates as new information is provided by DPH and/or the WWHD.

Additional information on the vaccine is also available on the State’s 2-1-1 line or the links referenced below. 

https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/covid-19%20vaccinations

https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccinations—FAQs

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

This press release was made possible by:

(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department Local Union #2080 in
partnership with the Westport Police Benevolent Association are
excited to announce the commencement of the Holiday Toy Drive, an
annual event that provides toys to underprivileged children throughout
Fairfield County as well as both to Bridgeport and Saint Vincent’s
Hospitals.
This program has been extremely successful in the past, allowing for
thousands of toys to be distributed to children who otherwise would
have none. We again ask for your continued support and generosity to
help make this year’s drive a success. By donating, you are guaranteed
to bring holiday joy to so many deserving children.

Weather permitting, Westport Police Officers will accept new,
unopened, and unwrapped toys, as well as cash donations, in the
parking lot of ASF Sports & Outdoors, located at 1560 Post Road East,
Westport, on the following Saturdays and Sundays: December 5 th , 6 th ,
12 th and 13 th between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM. Officers
volunteering on site will be wearing personal protective equipment and
can accommodate the contactless drop off of donations. While it may
look a bit different this year, COVID-19 will not stop us from spreading
holiday cheer!

Another significant change to please note is that due to building access
restrictions implemented in response to the current pandemic, donations
unfortunately cannot be accepted at Westport Police Headquarters or at
Westport Town Hall as they have been in the past. Despite this change,
new donation locations have been added at several local businesses.
Collection boxes will be set up from the present date until December
14, 2020 at the following Westport stores:

ASF Sports & Outdoors 1560 Post Road East www.shopASF.com or (203) 255-4460
Awesome Toys and Gifts 429 Post Road East www.awesometoys.com or (424) 293-7663
The Toy Post 180 Post Road East www.thetoypostct.com or (203) 557-8888
Donations at these locations can be made remotely and/or in person.
Please consult these individual businesses for their hours of operation.
Any other questions can be directed to Corporal Albert Nowinski via e-
mail at ANowinski@WestportCT.gov or (203) 341-6000.
We would like to thank in advance all of our continually generous
donors. We once again look forward to seeing many of you at ASF
Sports & Outdoors. Best wishes to all for a happy, safe and healthy
holiday season from the Westport Police Department!

This press release was made possible by:

2020-11-25@10:00am–#Westport CT– A dump truck took down low utility in front of 52 Weston Road. Firefighters have the roadway shut down.

This news report is made possible by:

At approximately 6:53pm on Thursday August 13, 2020, officers responded to Ulta
Beauty, 1365 Post Road East, on a report of a shoplifting incident. Employees of the store
reported that three individuals entered and had begun loading up a hand basket with
numerous bottles of cologne and perfume. The three suspects then ran out of the store to a
waiting vehicle without paying for the merchandise, fleeing the immediate area prior to
officers’ arrival. The total loss due to theft was estimated to be over $6,000.00. Through
investigation, that included the review of surveillance footage as well as information sharing
with other law enforcement agencies, detectives were able to identify the three suspects in this
incident. One of these suspects was identified as Jahliil Parrott. An arrest warrant was sought
and granted for Parrott in connection with this investigation.

On Friday November 20, 2020, Parrott was taken into custody at Hartford Superior
Court in connection with this active warrant for his arrest. He was then transported to
Westport Police Headquarters for processing. Per the warrant, he was charged with 53a-124
Larceny Third Degree and 53a-48(53a-124) Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Third Degree. Bond
was court set as a written promise to appear. Parrot is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk
Superior Court on the morning of Friday December 18, 2020.

This press release is made possible by:

Westport CT – The Department of Public Works announced today that it is the recipient of a Connecticut Small Towns Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant in the amount of $128,205 to be earmarked for the replacement of the sidewalks on Maple Avenue South. The Town of Westport will fund $21,795 towards this project.

According to Governor Ned Lamont’s November 9, 2020 announcement, more than $11 million in STEAP funding was awarded to 94 small towns across Connecticut for various infrastructure improvement projects. This is the first time since 2016 that the State has awarded STEAP funding.

The grant funds awarded to Westport will be utilized for the replacement and construction of a section of sidewalk on Maple Avenue South from Post Road East (Route 1) to Clapboard Hill Road.  The total length is approximately 2,575 linear feet and includes replacement and new “infill” construction where there is currently no sidewalk. The sidewalk that is currently in poor condition will be replaced, making it continuous for the entire length of the segment. It will facilitate safe pedestrian infrastructure along Maple Avenue South as well as facilitate pedestrian access to retail and commercial establishments along the Post Road. The funds will be used primarily for construction.

First Selectman Jim Marpe said, “I am pleased that the State funds will allow the Department of Public Works to begin work on this important infrastructure improvement that facilitates pedestrian access and contributes to the walkability of Westport.”

This press release is made possible by:

(Westport, CT) – The Westport Police Department proudly announces the addition of Dominique
Carr to its ranks effective today, Monday, November 9, 2020. Due to current COVID-19
restrictions, Officer Carr was officially sworn in at police headquarters this morning at a private
ceremony attended by First Selectman James Marpe and Police Chief Foti Koskinas as well as
friends and family.
Officer Carr joins us from the Windsor Police Department, where he has served the town with
distinction since November of 2018. Carr is a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and a graduate of
Cromwell High School. Carr is also a 2018 graduate of Western Connecticut State University,
where he successfully obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice and Law Administration.
An avid athlete, Carr played football at the University. Upon completing his studies, he joined the
Windsor Police Department, where he has since been assigned to their patrol division.
Officer Carr fills a vacancy created by the recent departure of one of our officers. He will have
to successfully complete a modified field training and familiarization program where he will be
required to learn department policies and procedures before being assigned to our patrol division.
Chief Koskinas adds, “Today we are very excited and proud to welcome Officer Carr to our
Westport Police Department family. He brings with him an impressive educational background and
the valuable experience derived from serving another community, both of which will serve him well
as he transitions into his new role.”
First Selectman Marpe adds, “Westport is honored for Officer Carr to join our community. I am
confident that he will continue the department’s well-established tradition of providing the highest
level of service to our residents and visitors.”
The Westport Police Department would also like to thank the representatives from the Board of
Selectmen, Representative Town Meeting, Board of Education and TEAM Westport who assisted us
in the interview and selection process of candidates for this vacancy.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Officer Carr to the Westport Police Department and wishing
him future success in his new career.