DoingItLocal

#MIDDLETOWN CT –  Connecticut State Police’s K-9 Silver has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In Memory of K-9 Ike, Vancouver Police Department.”

K-9 Silver has been assigned to Trooper First Class Thomas Mitri since September 2015 and is currently working at Troop G in Bridgeport. K-9 Silver is a two-and-a-half-year-old Malinois trained in all patrol functions including tracking, building searches, evidence recovery, apprehension, obstacles and obedience.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA., whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 partners. Through private and corporate donations, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., has provided more than 2,200 protective vests in all 50 states at a cost of more than $1.9 million. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate. The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has an average weight of 4-5 pounds and has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five- year warranty. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824- 6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax- deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

(Connecticut State Police Press Release)

6:00pm–#Bridgeport Connecticut– A microwave fire has left the third floor smokey at apartment building at 155 Brewster Street.  Firefighters are now requesting police over two disorderly men inside the apartment.

 

This news report is made possible by:

5:30pm–#cttraffic–#Bridgeport Connecticut– A three car crash with injuries reported on Route 8/25 southbound near exit 2.  Radio reports say the traffic is very heavy, it will get heavier as first responders arrive.

 

#Westport, Connecticut–For the second year in a row, members of the Westport Police Department participated in “No Shave November.”  No Shave November is a web-based, non-profit organization devoted to growing cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research, and education. The Officers also donated to Homes with Hope, a Westport based organization dedicated to helping the homeless locally.  For the months of November and December, members of the Westport Police Department grew beards to donate to these two causes. In order to participate, police officers made a donation of $75.00 each which will be broken up between to the two organizations. Chief Koskinas said, “This is a great opportunity to build off of the enthusiasm for No Shave November, and also help one of our local efforts.”

The WPD No Shave initiative was able to raise $3,175.00 for colorectal cancer research and Homes for Hope, surpassing our goal of $2,500.00. On December 29, 2016, participating officers attended a “Shave Off” at H Salon in Fairfield. PBA President Brendan Fearon said, “We would like to thank H Salon for donating their time and facility for the second year in a row.  We also want to extend our thanks to Geronimo Tequila Bar and Grill for sponsoring our event.”

#Fairfield Connecticut–On November 15th 2016, an adult male victim responded to an advertisement on the mobile app “offer up”. “Offer Up” is an Internet app/site where individuals post and purchase items for sale and typically will meet in person to conduct their respective transactions.

The victim in this case was attempting to purchase a used iphone 6 from a male who identified himself as screen name John from “Offer Up.”  The victim was directed to Browns Lane in Fairfield by “John”. When the victim arrived he parked his vehicle waiting for John (the seller). He was quickly approached by a male who identified himself as John along with another male suspect carrying a handgun pointing it at the victim stating he was gonna shoot and kill the victim. The suspect’s took the victims money, his car keys and his personal cell phone. Leaving the victim to run to a nearby home to call police.

Police investigation revealed there were three suspects who conspired to lure the victim to Browns lane with the sole intent to rob him of his belongings.

Arrested yesterday on a warrant submitted by Fairfield Det. Bernard Kelley to Bridgeport Superior Court was Johnny Diaz, 21 years old, DOB 7/14/1995, of 75 Platt Street Bridgeport CT.   He was charged with Robbery 1st Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery 1st Degree. He is being held on a 75,000 bond.

Diaz’s co-conspirators,  Brandon Ramos, 22yo of 581 Soundview Avenue.   Bridgeport and Josue Jimenes, 22 year old of 50 Houston Avenue.   Bridgeport currently have active arrest warrants for them and are being sought by Fairfield Police

Police advice when meeting or conducting these types of transactions that individuals meet in public well light locations.

(Fairfield Police Press Release)

11:43am–#Norwalk News: Prayers needed for a six year old girl at Norwalk Behavioral wanting to harm herself.