2020-07-18@5:55pm–#Westport CT–Report of a person being pulled from the water at East Beach at Sherwood Island State Park. Initial reports say the person was breathing but not conscious.
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Westport, CT – Due to the impending extreme heat forecasted for this coming weekend, increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic is anticipated at Westport beaches. In an abundance of caution and to insure public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the beach reaches a capacity where it is deemed impossible to maintain social distancing, it will be closed to additional beachgoers. Signage at key intersections on local roadways will inform drivers if the beach is closed, and traffic will be diverted from the area. Drop offs will not be allowed.
Experience shows that these types of crowded conditions are observed starting from mid to late mornings. We advise those residents who wish to spend the day at the beach to arrive before 10am. The beach may re-open mid to late afternoon, provided safer conditions relative to crowds and social distancing are observed at that time. The Town will make every effort to inform residents of the current conditions throughout the day via the Town of Westport and Parks and Recreation Department website homepages and the Town and Parks and Recreation Facebook pages so residents may plan their beach trip accordingly.
While in the Compo Beach area, you are reminded to wear masks when walking on the beach boardwalk, using the restrooms or area sidewalks, or at any other time when you are unable to maintain a six foot distance from others.
First Selectman Marpe stated, “Your anticipated cooperation, patience and understanding with the town staff and police who will be enforcing and maintaining traffic and crowd control during these unprecedented times is appreciated. I have the utmost confidence that town health and safety officials have only the best interests of residents and guests in mind when making these difficult decisions. I also know that Westporters understand and accept the gravity of the current health crisis. I am grateful that we are at a point where our town amenities may be open and thriving. But now more than ever, we must enjoy them in a safe and responsible manner while respecting our family, neighbors and friends.”
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Westport, CT – The Westport Weston Health District reminded residents today to be aware of possible scammers posing as COVID-19 contact tracers. The statement said:
Beware of Scammers
The WWHD is alerting residents to a possible scam taking place in our community by persons posing as COVID contact tracers. The imposters/scammers claimed to work on behalf of the sheriff’s office or the local health department and needed to load contact tracing software onto the victim’s computer. Do not fall victim to these scammers. Official contact tracers working on behalf of the WWHD or the Connecticut State Department of Public Health will NEVER ask to enter your home, threaten you with a fine, or ask you for personal financial information. Anyone asking for such information is trying to do harm or steal your identity, money, or both.
Should such a person come to your home and request entrance, please call the police department immediately. Do not let strangers into your home.
Other things to be on alert for should you receive a call:
Legitimate Contact Tracers
Contact tracing is actually an important component of public health and an essential tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. Connecticut’s contact tracing initiative is completely voluntary and there is no cost to participate. If you agree to participate, you may elect to receive daily health assessment reminders via text, email, or phone. You will be reminded to do a simple assessment of your symptoms each day. For those who choose to participate, surveys will be sent by email or text message to those who have tested positive for COVID-19 (also known as cases) and persons identified who were exposed and who may be at risk for developing COVID (also known as contacts).
It is important to note that all information collected is kept strictly confidential. Contacts who are identified will not be given information on cases (such as the name of the person who may have exposed them).
It is extremely helpful and important that you participate. The information collected enables us to slow the spread of the virus in our local communities. Here at the WWHD, a member of our clinical staff or one of our trained volunteers will first contact you via the telephone. We greatly appreciate your participation-it is our best chance to help protect your friends, family members, coworkers, and the broader community. We do ask that you please stay home for AT LEAST 10 days after your symptoms begin; you should be fever free for 3 days and start to feel better before leaving your home. If you do not have symptoms, you should stay home for 10 days after you were tested for COVID-19.
http://wwhd.org/beware-of-scammers-covid-19-updates/
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Online: www.westportct.gov/COVID19
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(Westport, CT) As the COVID-19 quarantines and associated restrictions have gradually eased here in the state of Connecticut, you most likely have noticed the marked increase in daily vehicular traffic throughout Fairfield County. Unfortunately, traffic is not the only thing that seems to be on the rise. What has been the most striking to the Westport Police Department is a marked increase in the perpetration of various property crimes. When comparing an approximately forty-day period from late May to early July in the year 2019 with the present, a number of statistics seem to indicate an upward trend in the occurrence of these types of incidents. The following data as has been detailed below is taken from that period in the year 2019 as well as the present. Within this period in the year 2019, the department investigated a total of three stolen motor vehicle complaints. In 2020, we have investigated a total of ten within the same time period, with an eleventh stolen vehicle from another jurisdiction having been recovered here in our town.
In every case, the vehicle that had been stolen was left unlocked with keys inside of it during timeframes which generally encompass the overnight hours. Some of these vehicles have been recovered within other jurisdictions, but many remain unaccounted for at the present time. Almost always closely tied to motor vehicle thefts are burglaries of parked and unoccupied vehicles within the driveways of residences. In the specified timeframe in the year 2019, the department handled a total of 5 incidents of motor vehicles being entered/burglarized. In 2020, the department has handled 11 of these types of incidents in that same timeframe. In all of these recent cases, the 16:14 2 vehicles were left unlocked. In multiple cases, wallets containing credit cards were stolen and subsequently used fraudulently to make various purchases. The actual numbers of these types of incidents are almost always assumed to be higher than as reported, as many do not notify police in situations where vehicles were entered but nothing of any significant value appears to have been taken.
In this sample period in the year 2019, the department investigated a total of 3 burglary complaints; two of the commercial variety and one of a residence. In this same stretch of time in 2020, we have investigated a total of six residential burglaries, four of which featured forced entry into these structures. The most brazen of these burglaries was perpetrated in the overnight hours while the home was occupied and the residents were asleep. Entry had been gained through an unlocked door. In the year 2019, the department responded to a total of 1 shoplifting type incident within this timeframe. In the same period in 2020, we have responded to 8 of these types of complaints. We ask that you please let all of this data serve as a stark reminder that property crimes and theft seem to currently be trending upwards within our community. Again, this is only a small sample in time of slightly longer than a month but still merits careful consideration and attention in order to reverse this trend. In cases where arrests have not yet been made, the Westport Police Department continues to actively investigate all of these recent crimes in conjunction with our law enforcement partners in the hope that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. Additionally, measures are being taken by the department wherever possible to stop or slow this trend. However, as has been previously stated in prior releases, but simply cannot be stressed enough, preventative measures taken by the community such as locking doors, arming alarms and securing valuables coupled with the vigilance of our officers is the key to safeguarding our neighborhoods from being victimized.
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#Westport CT– On the morning of Sunday, July 12, 2020, Samuel Rivera-Romero responded to Westport Police headquarters in regard to an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Computer checks confirmed that Rivera-Romero was the subject of an active court-ordered warrant for failure to appear in the second degree. This was stemming from an original arrest by this agency for motor vehicle violations. Based on the warrant, Rivera-Romero was charged with 53a-173 Failure to Appear Second Degree. Bond for this charge was court-set at $500.00. Rivera-Romero was able to post this bond and was released from custody. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court on the morning of Monday, July 20, 2020.
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2020-07-06@2:44pm–#Westport CT–#cttraffic– A crash on I-95 northbound between exits 16 and 17 has the traffic backed up. No word on any injuries.
2020-07-05 @ 7:48pm–#Westport CT– #cttraffic– A multi-vehicle crash on I-95 southbound near exit 17. No word on any injuries, first responders just arriving.
2020-07-05@5:43pm–#Bridgeport CT– A shoplifter in custody at Stop and Shop at 1790 Post Rd East is complaining of low blood sugar. EMS on the way.
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#Westport CT–On Tuesday, November 20, 2018, officers responded to Balducci’s Market, 1385 Post Road East, on a theft complaint. Upon speaking with the victim, he alleged that a co-worker at the store, identified as Williemae Reed, had stolen the identifying information from his debit card and had subsequently used that information to make multiple unauthorized purchases totaling approximately $375.00.
Despite a number of attempts, officers were unable to make contact with or locate the suspect in this incident. Based on the investigation, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for Reed. On Thursday, June 30, 2020, the Westport Police Department was contacted by members of the Naugatuck Police Department who were reporting that Williemae Reed was currently being held by their agency in connection with this active arrest warrant.
Reed was transported to Westport Police headquarters and per the warrant was charged with violations of 53a- 128c(a) Credit Card Theft, 53a-125b Larceny Sixth Degree, and 53a-128d Illegal Use of a Credit Card. Bond was court-set at $25,000.00 which she was able to post. Reed was assigned a court date of Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 9:00 am at Norwalk Superior Court.
#Westport CT–At approximately 2:07 pm on Thursday, June 25, 2020, what was initially reported as a trespassing complaint was received from a Westport residence. The complainant alleged that an individual may have entered the home without permission, and provided a description of him which was broadcast to responding officers. A person matching that description was quickly located by officers near the residence in question and was detained for further investigation of the complaint. Officers met with the complainant; a realtor who is one of the listing agents of the currently unoccupied dwelling that contained some of the owner’s belongings. She reported that upon arriving at the home to do some maintenance, she encountered an individual who walked out from the rear of the residence. He told her that he had moved the key box to the side door and had left it there after trying to look at the house, however, he did not have an appointment to view it. It was also determined by the realtor that an additional key to the home, one that was described as being attached to a lanyard, was also currently unaccounted for. This key had previously been hidden outside of the home and had not otherwise been secured.
Officers speaking with the individual, later identified as Richaun Edwards-Marsh, found him to be in possession of a key attached to a lanyard that fit the lock of the residence. He admitted that the key belonged to the home but did not say how he obtained it. Also found on his person was a pair of disposable shoe covers. These matched the shoe covers that had been left inside of the locked residence to be utilized during showings of the home. An additional witness reported encountering this same individual in the neighborhood at approximately 7:00am that same morning, leading officers to suspect that Edwards-Marsh had spent a considerable amount of time within the home.
Edwards-Marsh was initially uncooperative with officers and continued this behavior throughout the booking process by providing a false name and then further refusing to identify himself. Through investigation, he was positively identified as Richaun Edwards-Marsh. Based on this investigation Edwards-Marsh was taken into custody. He was charged with 53a-103 Burglary 3 rd Degree, 53a-125b Larceny 6 th Degree and 53a-167a Interfering with an Officer. He was released on a written promise to appear. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday July 14, 2020 at 9:00am.
