$200,000 Bond Set for Man Arrested for Westport Bicycle Thefts
According to the Westport Police Department:
During the late Spring and early Summer of this year, the Westport Police Department investigated a number of burglaries and larcenies that occurred within the town. In many of these cases, high end bicycles were stolen from either open or unsecured garages. Through an extensive investigation conducted by the detective bureau that included the execution of search warrants as well as working in cooperation with area departments, a suspect was developed. That suspect was identified as Jose Velazquez. Based upon the results of the investigation, several arrest warrants were subsequently sought and granted for Mr. Velazquez.
On December 21, 2020 Mr. Velazquez was arrested at Stamford Superior Court in connection with the active warrants related to this case. Per these warrants, he was charged with three counts of 53a – 101 Burglary in the First Degree; three counts of 53a – 102 Burglary in the Second Degree; 53a – 122 Larceny in the First Degree; two counts of 53a – 124 Larceny in the Third Degree; 53a – 125 Larceny in the Fourth Degree; 53a – 125a Larceny in the Fifth Degree; two counts of 53a – 125b Larceny in the Sixth Degree; and 53a – 115 Criminal Mischief in the First Degree. Bond was set at $200,000.00. Mr. Velazquez was arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on December 21, 2021.
One Arrested after November High Speed Car Accident
One of the three vehicles involved in the car accident on Post Road West. This vehicle was occupied by an innocent citizen on their way home from work.
According to the Westport Police Department, an arrest has been made for the driver responsible for a violent car accident on the evening November 14th, which caused two vehicles to roll on their sides and the operator’s vehicle to sustain heavy damage on Post Road West, in front of Via Sforza restaurant. The accident left a debris field spanning several hundred feet and closed Post Road West for several hours. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene, which had reported injuries, as well as fire and police apparatus. An investigation by the Westport Police Department lead officers to Fernando Ramirez, whose arrest report follows:
“On November 14, 2020 at approximately 7:29 p.m., officers responded to the area of 233 Post Road West on a report of a three-car motor vehicle accident with injuries. Upon arrival, it was determined that a car turning right from the driveway of a local business was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Post Road West. The impact caused one of the cars to cross into the westbound lanes where it was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound. All three vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene.
The operator of the vehicle that was traveling eastbound was identified as Fernando Ramirez, and he was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The officer investigating the accident, interviewed the parties involved as well as an independent witness. From the information gathered, the officer had cause to believe that Mr. Ramirez was driving recklessly and at excessive speeds. Based upon the results of the investigation, an arrest warrant was subsequently sought and granted for Mr. Ramirez.
On the morning of December 21, 2020, Mr. Ramirez turned himself in at the Westport Police Department in connection with this active warrant. Per the warrant, he was charged 14-222 Reckless Driving and 53a-63 Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree. Mr. Ramirez was released after posting a $500 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court on the morning of Monday January 25, 2021.” (Westport Police Department)
One Arrested for DUI after April Car Accident
According to a Westport Police Department press release:
“On Tuesday April 21, 2020 at approximately 8:25pm, officers responded to the area of 30 Charles Street on a report of a two car motor vehicle accident. Minor injuries were reported at the scene. Upon arrival, it was determined that both cars were traveling westbound on Charles Street when one vehicle struck the other from behind. The operator of the striking vehicle was identified as Jorge Sosa. In speaking with Sosa, he reportedly exhibited physical clues consistent with being under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Based on the investigation, a search warrant was sought and granted for toxicology records for Sosa. Upon execution of the search warrant, the results obtained showed him to have a blood alcohol content above the legal limit on the evening of the accident. Based on these results, an arrest warrant was subsequently sought and granted for Sosa.
On the afternoon of Sunday December 20, 2020, Sosa was taken into custody by members of the Norwalk Police Department in connection with this department’s active warrant. He was turned over to Westport Police for arrest processing. Per the warrant, he was charged with 14-227a Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and 14-240 Following Too Closely. He was released on a written promise to appear. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court on the morning of Wednesday February 3, 2021.”
Vincent “Vinny” Penna, 51, Retired Deputy Chief of Westport Police, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 36
The Westport Police Department’s American flag was at half-staff and memorial bunting was placed over the main doorway in memory of Deputy Police Chief Vincent “Vinny” Penna on Friday afternoon.
The Penna family announced the unexpected death of Husband, Father, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Retired Deputy Police Chief Vincent “Vinny” Penna.
The Penna Family announced yesterday that Vinny Penna passed away Friday at the age of 51. His obituary describes a man who loved his family, his friends, his work, the outdoors, and helping others.
Penna was born on October 2nd, 1969 and grew up in Westport - where he continued to raise his own family, and continued to support his community in any way that he could - most notably serving as Deputy Chief of the Westport Police department.
Starting as a Traffic Agent in 1991, he retired as Westport Police Department’s second-in-command in 2017 after a celebrated career - including being in command of the Detective Bureau as it helped solve the case of a 2011 homicide on Post Road East. According to a past WPD press release “Deputy Chief Penna, like all Westport officers, started his career assigned to patrol. He moved up through the ranks gaining promotions to detective in 2001 and sergeant in 2006. In 2009, Penna returned to the detective bureau, which he commanded as a lieutenant and captain until his promotion to deputy chief in 2016.”
Penna retired from his Westport Police Department position in late 2017 to join his father, Vincent John Penna, as a partner in their family business: A.J. Penna & Sons construction company. He was briefly hired as a Wilton police officer in 2018, which he eventually left to be with the family business full-time.
In addition to helping lead A.J. Penna & Sons, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Westport’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 36. According to the Troop’s social media statement, “ASM Penna was still new to Scouting but loved the program and what it provides for our youth. He was dedicated, inquisitive, and compassionate.”
He is survived by his wife Denise, his sons Vincent Angelo, 14, and Nicholas Anthony, 15, and many family members and friends.
According to the obituary, “A Mass of Christian Burial at Assumption Church will be private due to Covid-19 restrictions. Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service on Tuesday December 22, 2020 at 11:30AM meeting directly at Assumption Cemetery 73 Greens Farms Road in Westport, CT. We ask that everyone please observe strict social distancing at the cemetery.”
Please click here for the full obituary.
Editor’s Note
As an EMT with the Westport Police Department’s division of Emergency Medical Service, I had the privilege of serving under Deputy Chief Penna - who was the Director of the Westport EMS division prior to his retirement. Vinny was the person who “went to bat” for those who needed help, and was known for his humor and genuine personality. He was respected by all, loved by all, and will be missed by all. My heart sits with his family and friends as the community mourns this loss.
Jaime B.
UPDATE 12/20:
The Penna Family shares this updated information regarding the funeral mass that will be held on Tuesday morning for Vincent Joseph Penna, 51, retired Westport Deputy Police Chief.
Funeral Mass will have a Video Livestream through Assumption Church Website:
The funeral mass will be live-streamed on the Assumption Church website, assumptionwestport.org. The mass will begin on Tuesday, December 22nd at 10:00 AM.
The livestream video will begin playing ten minutes early at 9:50 AM. All members of the public are welcome to view the online mass from their computer or mobile device.
Donation in Memory of Vinny:
Donations in memory of Vinny can be made to: Westport Scouts BSA Troop 36 - the troop that Vinny served as Assistant Scoutmaster.
Check: Made out to “Troop 36” - Mailed to: Troop 36, Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East, Westport, CT, 06880
Online: Click on this link paypal.me/BSATroop36CT
Vincent “Vinny” Penna Jr. prior to his retirement as Westport’s Deputy Police Chief
Photo: 2017 Westport Police Department Press Release.
As Deputy Chief, Penna (2nd from left) was in command of the Emergency Medical Service division, and is shown here with members of Westport EMS at a 2016 awards ceremony. Photo: Westport News
An avid outdoorsman - Penna recently purchased a boat and enjoyed spending time on it with his family.
Photo: Harding Funeral Home
Penna, left, in a photo supporting the 2016 Westport for Warriors weekend with fellow members of the Westport PD. Photo: Town of Westport
Volunteers Collecting Food & Supplies until 4:30 at the Imperial Lot
Volunteer Danielle Dobin (right) and Andy Berman (center) unload donations made by native Westporter Delia Petti this afternoon. The donations of non-perishable foods and essential toiletries and cleaning supplies will be delivered to Homes with Hope and the NAACP Norwalk Chapter. The event is being sponsored by the Westport Police Department with Andy Berman of Mental Grit Fitness. Volunteers will be on-hand at the upper Imperial Avenue Parking Lot accepting donations until 4:30 PM today.
Westport Police Department hosts Food & Supply Collection at Imperial Parking Lot Today
The Westport Police Department will be hosting a food & essential supplies drive today from noon until 4:30 at the Imperial Avenue Parking Lot.
All non-perishable food donations will be donated to Homes with Hope. All supplies - such as toiletries, paper products, and cleaning supplies - will be donated to the NAACP Norwalk Chapter.
One Arrested for DUI after Main Street Crash
The Westport Local Press reported on a Saturday evening car accident involving multiple vehicles on Main Street. The Westport Police Department announced today the arrest of the driver responsible, 25 year old Max Popovich of Redding, for Operating under the Influence of Drugs/Alcohol. Click here to view original report.
“On Saturday December 12, 2020 at approximately 5:46pm, officers responded to the
area of 170 Main Street on a report of a motor vehicle accident. No injuries were reported.
Upon arrival, it was determined that a parked and unoccupied vehicle had been struck by
another vehicle that had been traveling southbound on Main Street, pushing it into and
damaging a third parked and unoccupied vehicle. The operator was identified as Max Popovich.
In speaking with Popovich, officers noted that he exhibited multiple physical clues consistent
with being under the influence of alcohol. Standardized field sobriety tests were administered
on scene and reportedly not performed to standard. Popovich was ultimately taken into
custody based on the suspicion of driving under the influence.
At police headquarters, Popovich submitted to chemical breath testing and was
determined to have a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. He was charged with 14-
227a, Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs. Bond was set at $500.00. He was able
to post this bond and was released. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court
on the morning of Friday January 29, 2021.” (Westport Police Department)
Minor Accident Involves School Bus on Compo Road South.
Police officers inspect damage to a Dattco school bus that was involved in a minor accident around noon today. The damage appeared to be a scrape along the side of the bus, which seems to have happened when the bus and a white SUV, also remaining on the scene, collided in the area of Compo Road South and Park Lane. No injuries were reported, and no word on whether or not the bus was actively transporting school children. Both vehicles were able to be driven away from the scene without towing assistance.
A Dattco school bus was involved in a more serious accident less than one year ago on February 7th, while carrying more than 20 Kings Highway Elementary School students. A WestportNow article describes the accident that required the extrication of the driver by local firefighters.
This white SUV also remained on the scene while Westport police officers investigated the collision.
One Arrested after CVS Theft
According to a Westport Police Department release from Administrative Assistant Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso :
“On Sunday September 13, 2020 at approximately 6:06am, officers responded to CVS Pharmacy, 397 Post Road East, on a theft complaint. Staff reported that a male and female had entered the store and begun filling reusable shopping bags with merchandise. The two did not pay for any of this merchandise and began to walk toward the store’s exit. When questioned by a staff member prior to exiting, the male clenched his fist stating that he had a syringe which he would stab staff with. The two then fled in a waiting vehicle. It was later determined that the pair had stolen approximately $900.00 in merchandise. Through investigation and information sharing with other agencies, the female suspect in this incident was identified as Amy Kiernan. An arrest warrant was sought and granted for Kiernan. The male suspect was also previously arrested by this agency on November 4, 2020 in connection with his alleged involvement.
On the afternoon of Wednesday December 9, 2020, Kiernan was taken into custody in regards to this active warrant. Kiernan was charged with 53a-134 Robbery First Degree, 53a-125a Larceny Fifth Degree, 53a-48(53a-134) Conspiracy to Commit Robbery First Degree and 53a-48(53a-125a) Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Fifth Degree. Bond was ultimately court set as a written promise to appear. Kiernan is scheduled to be arraigned on the morning of Monday December 14, 2020.”
Police Officers Collecting Toys until 5:00 PM.
Members of the Westport Police Department, Westport Police Benevolent Association, and their accompanying family members were all smiles under their masks as members of the community dropped off their toy donations for underprivileged children in Fairfield County, including those at both Bridgeport and St. Vincent’s hospitals. They will be on-scene at the toy collection site outside of the ASF Sports & Outdoors store, 1560 Post Road East, until 5:00 PM today.