Westport High Water Rescue Truck Goes to Work Overnight
Westport’s high water rescue truck was deployed overnight as flash floods quickly overtook several roadways -stranding motorists in its path. Assistance was given to one vehicle that was stuck on Morningside Drive North near Post Road East. Motorists were advised to stay off of the roadways throughout the storm as a Flash Flood Emergency was announced for our region by the National Weather Service’s New York City office - one of only two times one has ever been declared.
Westport Fire Department photo. Trees Down, Vehicles Stuck as Local Roads Flood
Westport first responders have began to experience calls to service for vehicles stuck on local roadways, roadways becoming impassable due to flooding, or trees down over roadways. No major closures have been reported as of 11:20 tonight, however drivers are advised to remain home as conditions deteriorate. The Sherwood Island Connector was closed for a short time earlier in the night as a large tree blocked both lanes, requiring the State Department of Transportation to clear the roadway. Vehicles have been reported stuck on both ends of Westport as flash floods continue.
Motor Vehicle Accident Reported on Post Road East near Bulkley Avenue; Expect Delays
A motor vehicle accident involving a head-on collision was reported just after 3:15 this afternoon on Post Road East at the intersection of Bulkley Avenue North. First responders are on scene investigating. No information has been released at this time.
Governor Lamont Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Storm Henri; 200 National Guard Activated
Office of Governor Ned LamontGovernor Ned Lamont today announced that as Tropical Storm Henri is projected to move toward Connecticut in the coming days and strengthen to a hurricane before making landfall, he will be requesting a presidential pre-landfall emergency declaration to provide the state with federal assistance in anticipation of the impacts of the storm. Additionally, the governor will be issuing a declaration of civil preparedness emergency to enable the state to take any actions necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of Connecticut.
The governor has directed the Connecticut State Emergency Operations Center to become partially activated on Saturday, August 21, and fully activated by the morning of Sunday, August 22. It will be staffed by representatives of the relevant state agencies, in addition to utility company representatives, in order to monitor and manage any issues that may arise as a result of the storm.
At the order of Governor Lamont, Major General Francis Evon, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard, is calling 200 Guardsmen and women to state active duty beginning on Saturday morning to prepare teams and specialized equipment in support of the state’s response. Expected missions include high-wheeled vehicle search and rescue, route clearance, power generation, and commodities distribution, but may shift depending on the actual impact of the storm.
Earlier today, Governor Lamont spoke via telephone with Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Paul Ford, FEMA’s acting regional administrator for New England, to discuss preparedness efforts. The federal officials pledged assistance and resources to support Connecticut’s response and anticipated recovery from the storm.
This afternoon, Governor Lamont organized a statewide conference call between state emergency management officials and municipal representatives to coordinate preparedness activities among the state and local levels.
Current forecasts project that the storm will become a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday morning, and then make landfall on Sunday evening near the area of Stonington, Connecticut, along the Rhode Island border. As of this afternoon, the National Weather Service has issued hurricane watches for New London, Middlesex, and New Haven Counties. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Fairfield County. Additional watches and warnings are anticipated.
“With the current forecasted track of Henri, we can expect heavy rainfall and high winds, with the potential for a significant amount of coastal flooding and urban flooding across Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Right now, it’s a good idea for everyone to be prepared and expect to shelter in place by Sunday afternoon through at least Monday morning. We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s progress and will provide updates as necessary.”
“We’ve learned from Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Irene that preparation at staging areas ahead of the storm making landfall is key to a quick and effective response,” Major General Evon said. “We are standing by to support the state and the lead agencies however we can and we will be prepared to bring in additional Guardsmen and resources if asked to do so.”
The following list includes some hurricane preparedness tips:
Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit
One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
A whistle to signal for help
Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Food and litter requirements for any pets
Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter
Family emergency plan
Be sure you and family members are aware of local shelter locations and your evacuation zone, especially if you live along the shoreline.
Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.
Subscribe to alert services through CTAlert. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register.
Connecticut residents are encouraged to download the state’s CTPrepares app for mobile devices. The app, which can be downloaded at no charge from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, provides information that is useful in emergency situations and gives preparedness tips in advance of an emergency.
Four Cars Stolen, Compo Home Burglarized Overnight
Westport Police Department officials released that four vehicles were stolen, several were ransacked, and one Compo neighborhood home was burglarized early this morning.
While investigating, two more vehicles - one from the north side of Westport, and the other from another community - were found parked on the road, with all belongings taken out of them. Both were found to have also been stolen, ransacked, and then left behind.
The owner of two of the stolen vehicles reported that they were unlocked in the driveway with the keys in them. The other two vehicles were stolen after their key fobs were taken from the unlocked home during the burglary. Officers and canines attempted to locate the suspects, but the tracks went unfounded.
“All residents must make it a point to keep their homes and cars locked at all times.” police department officials stated.
Westport Police Department Statement: At approximately 6:10 a.m. on August 20, 2021, Westport Police officers responded to a residence in the Compo Beach section of town on a report of a burglary. It was determined that one or more individuals entered the unlocked home and stole a purse as well as the key fobs for two separate vehicles. Those vehicles were then stolen.
As the officers were checking the area, they located an unoccupied Jeep as well as an unoccupied Toyota 4Runner near the home that was burglarized. It was immediately determined that both vehicles were stolen. The Jeep was taken from a home on the north side of Westport and the 4Runner was stolen in another jurisdiction. Given that it appeared that the two cars had recently been driven, the officers set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspects. With the assistance of a Westport Police K-9, the area was thoroughly searched, but the responsible parties were not located.
During the investigation, officers followed up with the owner of the Jeep. The owner advised that in addition to the Jeep, a Toyota Highlander was also taken from his driveway. He stated that both cars were unlocked with the keys inside.
In total, four cars were stolen, and a home was burglarized during today’s early morning hours. Additionally, officers have responded to several locations on reports of unlocked vehicles being entered.
These crimes are being actively investigated.
The Westport Police Department has said it before, but it certainly bears repeating. All residents must make it a point to keep their homes and cars locked at all times. That will go a long way towards preventing these types of crimes from occurring.
Heavy Rains Sink Boat off of Old Mill Beach
An unoccupied commercial shellfishing boat anchored off of Old Mill Beach sank overnight as heavy rains drenched the community. The boat’s hull was completely submerged, with only a roof over the console and a piece of lifting equipment visible above the waterline. Westport’s Marine Unit was notified of the event, with the Westport Fire Department also seen at the beach earlier this morning investigating. The vessel has been anchored in the area for several days, and is visible at low tides resting on the sandbars between Schlaet’s Point and Old Mill. The sight was a reminder for local mariners to check on their own boats in local marinas, as batteries may die during heavy rainfall when bilge pumps continuously run - causing the boats to take on water. WestportLocal.com photo
Busy Evening for Westport First Responders
Westport firefighters race up Post Road East Sunday evening for the reported fire alarm at Long Lots Elementary School. Police, fire, and EMS personnel were all busy throughout the night as car accidents, several medical emergencies, and fire alarms all were called into the 911 centers within a short time span. WestportLocal.com photo
Former Westport Therapist Arrested Again for Drug Charges; Released on $50,000 Bond
May 2021 Westport Police Department Photo Westport Police Department Former Westport Therapist and Staples Peer Advisors leader Michael Newman found himself at Westport Police Headquarters again this week after being arrested on the following drug charges: two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of narcotics. Newman was arrested in May on possession of child pornography charges and was released on $250,000 bond. This week he was released on $50,000 bond and will be expected at Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday. Click here to read the May 24th story on his original arrest.
On May 19, 2021, Westport Police detectives were executing a search warrant at the office of Michael Newman pursuant to an investigation they were conducting. During the search, prescription medication that was reportedly not prescribed to Mr. Newman as well a suspected cocaine was seen in plain view. The purported contraband was seized.
The investigating detective had probable cause to believe that Mr. Newman was illegally in possession of the above narcotics. Therefore, a warrant for his arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.
On the afternoon of August 9, 2021, Mr. Newman turned himself in at the Westport Police Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance as well as Possession of Narcotics. Mr. Newman was released after posting a $50,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
Car Accident at Cross Highway, North Avenue Intersection
First responders were on scene at 6:00 tonight as a car accident with airbag deployment was reported at the intersection of Cross Highway and North Avenue. Westport EMS personnel could be seen assisting multiple passengers prior to their transport to a nearby hospital. No other information has been released.
Westport Missing Person: Tammy Lynn McQuillan, Hillspoint Area
UPDATE
The Westport Police Department continues to diligently search for Tammy McQuillan. We are asking for residents to check their surveillance and doorbell cameras for anyone matching McQuillan’s description between the hours of 8:00pm Saturday and 8:00am Sunday. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call the Police Department at 203-341-6000.
On August 8, 2021 at approximately 12:00pm, Westport Police took a report of a missing person from Hillspoint Road. Tammy Lynn McQuillan, age 51, is believed to have walked away from her home sometime after eight o’clock yesterday evening and we are concerned for her wellbeing.
McQuillan is approximately 5’8” tall and 300-350 lbs. with dark hair. She has been entered as a Missing Person.
Anyone with information that can help locate McQuillan is urged to call the Westport Police Department at 203-341-6000.