Metro North Service Restored after an Hour of Delay
Update: MTA Police Department confirm that one person was confirmed deceased after they left a moving train car, providing this statement.
Metro North service was restored this afternoon after an unknown issue caused the trains to stop running between East Norwalk, Westport, and Greens Farms Stations, according to the MTA. The service was paused in the area around noon, with stopped trains visible from the West End Avenue neighborhoods.
MTA announced that the railway traffic would resume to East Norwalk, Westport, and Greens Farms stations “beginning with the 1:18 PM train departing New Haven and the 1:03 PM train departing Grand Central Terminal.” Westport Police and MTA Police departments were on scene.
No cause for the delay has been made available.
Westport Police: 4 Cars Stolen with Keys Inside; 15 More Unlocked, Broken Into
Press ReleaseThe Town of Westport has experienced 4 stolen vehicles since May 1.
In ALL cases, the vehicle doors were unlocked, and the keys were left in the cars. Additionally, we have also responded to 15 vehicle break-ins in the past five days. In all cases of vehicles being entered, which resulted in thefts, the doors were unlocked. These crimes have occurred overnight. The department is actively investigating these incidents.
The Westport Police Department reminds you to lock your car and bring your keys inside. Further, it is important to remember to take valuables out of your car for the night, such as cash, purses, wallets, and electronics. It is also good practice to keep outside lights on and motion lights activated. Please notify the Police Department if it appears your vehicle was entered, or you observe anything suspicious in your neighborhood. We ask for your assistance in locking your vehicle.
Two Arrested for Fraud after Calling in a Drug Prescription to Local Pharmacy, Pretending to be Physician
Westport Police Department Press ReleaseOn April 19, 2021 at approximately 12:15 p.m., the Westport Police Detective Bureau received a report from a local pharmacy stating that an unknown individual was allegedly attempting to illegally obtain prescription medications. The complainant stated that the business received a request via phone to fill two prescriptions. Upon calling the prescribing doctor to verify whether the prescriptions were valid it was learned that the doctor did not prescribe the medications in question.
At approximately 4:20 p.m., two individuals arrived at the pharmacy to retrieve the medications and were subsequently detained by the investigating detectives. They were identified as Christopher Estrella and Isa Hills. Based upon the investigation, both men were placed under arrest and charged with Obtaining Controlled Drugs by Fraud and Conspiracy to Obtain Controlled Drugs by Fraud. Mr. Hills was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance as he was found to be in possession of suspected illegal narcotics. Both individuals were released after posting $10,000.00 bonds and are scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court the morning of May 19, 2021.
Westport Police Department and DEA Announce Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 24th
Press ReleaseOn Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Westport Police Department will again partner with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event will be held at the Westport Center for Senior Activities located at 21 Imperial Avenue.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
Please note that collection sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Additionally, please see the attached link in regards to disposal of vape pens: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/vaping_disposal.pdf
Vape pens where the batteries can be removed, can be disposed of at the drug take back. Vape pens where batteries cannot be removed will NOT be accepted at the drug take back.
Last fall Americans turned in nearly 492.7 tons of prescription drugs at 4587 sites operated by the DEA and its state and local law enforcement partners. Please join the Westport Police Department in doing our part to help continue the success of this vital initiative.
For those seeking more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 24th Take Back Day event, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/
Residents are also reminded that a year-round collection bin is located in the lobby of Westport police headquarters, where prescription drugs can be properly disposed of at any time rather than waiting for designated collection dates.
Police Department Supports Autism Awareness Month with New Badges, Vehicle Seals
Press Release - Chief of Westport Police Foti KoskinasApril is Autism Awareness Month, and the Westport Police Department enthusiastically stands with the autistic community in celebrating this opportunity to promote both education and a greater understanding of autism.
In a 2016 study, the Center for Disease Control stated that one in every fifty-four U.S. children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the National Autism Center this means that “at least one million U.S. boys and girls have autism, not to mention the rapidly growing number of adults with autism.”
These statistics certainly suggest that autism touches most of our lives in some way and because of that the Westport Police is committed to supporting those with autism as well as their family members.
To honor the autistic community and to promote autism awareness, Westport officers have purchased Autism Awareness Commemorative Badges which they will be wearing on their uniforms during April. The badge is blue and prominently features the puzzle piece logo in the center which is the universal symbol of autism awareness. A portion of the badge’s purchase price will be donated directly to Autism Speaks to help fund this organization’s crucial work. An additional way we will be promoting this important cause is by affixing the puzzle piece logo onto the doors of all our police cars. The logos were generously donated by Fleet Auto Supply.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas noted that, “autism is very prevalent but unfortunately is often misunderstood. That is why we are taking this time to promote awareness as well as acceptance and the Westport Police Department is proud to be a part of that effort.”
Autism Awareness Month is also an opportune time to remind the community about Westport’s Disability Registry. Its creation was a combined effort of the Westport Disability Commission, Human Services, and the Police Department. The confidential registry is used to provide essential information that will assist the police and other emergency workers to address the needs of residents of all abilities. Please see the following link for more information about how to sign up for the registry: https://www.westportct.gov/home/showdocument?id=22465
New Milford Man Held on $50,000 Bond, $1,500 Bond for Violating Restraining Order, Assault
Westport Police DepartmentAssault, Disorderly Conduct
On December 11, 2020 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the complainant came to the Westport Police Department to report two separate disturbances. The complainant alleged that during each of these incidents she was physically assaulted by Justin King. Mr. King was interviewed and denied the allegations. Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for the arrest of Mr. King.
On the morning of March 10, 2021, Mr. King was taken into custody by officers from the New Milford Police Department and turned over to the Westport Police. He was charged with Assault in the Third Degree and two counts of Disorderly Conduct. Mr. King was held on a $1500.00 bond and transported to Stamford Superior Court later that same morning for his arraignment.
Restraining Order Violation
On December 22, 2020 at approximately 11:18 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to a Westport address on a report of a possible violation of a restraining order and conditions of release. The complainant stated that there is currently an active restraining order and conditions of release in place which bars Justin King from contacting her. She alleged that King violated the order by contacting her via text. Mr. King was interviewed and denied the allegation. Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for the arrest of Mr. King.
On the morning of March 10, 2021, Mr. King was taken into custody by officers from the New Milford Police Department and turned over to the Westport Police. He was charged with Violation of Conditions of Release and Violation of a Restraining Order. Mr. King was held on a $50,000.00 bond and transported to Stamford Superior Court later that same morning for his arraignment.
UPDATE: Westport Police Civilian Review Board on Agenda at Public Safety Meeting POSTPONED to March 1.
This meeting was postponed to March 1. No explanation was given regarding the sudden postponement of the meeting.
A discussion on a police civilian review board will take place tonight on Zoom at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held by the RTM Public Protection committee, and will discuss the proposal made by Westporter Jason Stiber to counter First Selectman Jim Marpe’s plan of a similar panel.
Agenda:
To discuss and vote to recommend to the full RTM on the following: A proposed ordinance by Jason Stiber to create a Civilian Review Board as oversight for the Westport Police Department. The purpose of such a board would be to investigate citizen complaints against members of the Westport Police Department. To also participate in hiring decisions for officers of the WPD, and to receive and make recommendations for service awards for officers of the WPD.
Philadelphia Man Arrested on Westport Computer Hacking
Press ReleaseOn September 4, 2020 at approximately 10:26 a.m., a Westport Police detective responded to a local business that was reporting a possible computer crime. The complainant alleged that a former employee “hacked” into their computer system and made some modifications to their website. Furthermore, the day after the initial police report was filed the company advised that they were the victim of ransomware and as a result, they were unable to access their work files.
The detective, after an extensive investigation, developed Yigitali Ercan as a suspect and it was confirmed that he is in fact a former employee of the company in question. Mr. Ercan was interviewed and denied altering the business’s website and locking them out of their files. Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was drafted and then signed by a Superior Court Judge.
On the afternoon of February 9, 2021, Mr. Ercan turned himself in at the Westport Police Department in connection with this active warrant. Per the warrant, he was charged with Computer Crime in the Second Degree. Mr. Ercan was released after posting a $75,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on the morning of March 1, 2021 at Norwalk Superior Court.
“When the victim did not comply, the men began to rifle through her pockets.“ 3 Escape after Attempted Robbery Tonight
Press ReleaseOn February 14, 2021 at approximately 6:30 p.m. Westport Police officers responded to Walgreens which is located at 880 Post Road East on a report of an attempted robbery.
The victim stated that she had just finished purchasing some items at the store and as she was about to enter her vehicle - a Toyota Rav 4, which had been reported stolen from the city of Norwalk earlier today, backed into the parking space next to her car. Two black males exited the Toyota, approached the victim, and threatened to harm her if she did not turn over her keys and other personal property. When the victim did not comply, the men began to rifle through her pockets.
Unable to locate her keys or any other items of value the suspects fled the scene and were last seen heading towards I-95. However, just prior to the suspects departing, a third male exited Walgreens and entered the car. Fortunately, the victim did not sustain any injuries.
All three suspects were reported to be black males, wearing black clothing, and Covid-19 style face masks.
The Westport Police continue to actively investigate this incident.
19 Year Old Arrested; Released on $100,000 Bond for April Child Pornography Case
Press Release On April 4, 2020, the Westport Police Department received information that a town resident was possibly downloading child pornography onto his computer. The Sergeant investigating the matter was able to determine that the IP address of the computer being utilized to download the suspected images did in fact come back to a home in Westport.
A search warrant was then applied for and granted to search the computers and electronic devices at the address in question. During the execution of the search warrant, one of the residents, Sam Gold, allegedly tampered with some of the devices that the investigating detectives were attempting to inspect. During an examination of the devices that were seized, suspected images of child pornography allegedly downloaded by Sam Gold were located. Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was applied for and granted by a Superior Court Judge.
On the morning of February 6, 2021, Mr. Gold turned himself in at the Westport Police Department in connection with this active warrant. Per the warrant, he was charged with Possession of Child Pornography in the Second Degree, Tampering with Evidence, Interfering with a Search, and Interfering with an Officer. Mr. Gold was released after posting a $100,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on the morning of February 9, 2021 at Norwalk Superior Court.