Lieutenant Governor Promotes Vision Zero in Westport, Pushing to End Pedestrian Fatalities
(L-R) First Selectman Jim Marpe, (behind) State Senator Will Haskell, State Representative Stephanie Thomas, Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Westport Deputy Police Chief Sam Arciola, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce President Matt Mandell, and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg. WWCC Contributed photoConnecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewitz was downtown today to promote the State’s new Vision Zero movement . “Zero” refers to the hopeful number of pedestrians who are killed by motor vehicles in the State under the new legislation, especially while crossing streets such as Post Road - known as one of the most deadly pedestrian corridors in the State. (click here to read more)
H.B. No. 5429 began in January after being introduced by the House Transportation Committee, and was signed by Governor Ned Lamont in June. The bill outlined items such as an increase in fines for distracted driving or driving in a way that impedes pedestrians or bicyclists, or supporting the use of automated traffic enforcement devices within school zones or work zones.
The State also announced the release of a virtual meeting of the Vision Zero Council, with Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT Deputy Commissioner and Vision Zero Council Chair saying: “By bringing diverse perspectives together on the Vision Zero Council and engaging with and listening to the concerns of the public and safety stakeholders, we can better shape our approach to making Connecticut’s transportation system safer for all users.” Members of the public can register for the online meeting here.
Westport PBA Car Show Postponed until Next Saturday
The Car Cruise scheduled for Saturday, August 14, 2021, has been cancelled due to weather related concerns. It has been moved to Saturday, August 21, 2021. Same time and location.
Original release
The Westport Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is hosting their third annual Car Cruise this coming Saturday (August 14, 2021) from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm in Lot #1 at the Saugatuck Train Station. Cars of all years, makes, and models are welcome. The fee to enter and display a car is $20.00. The first one hundred cars to arrive will receive a gift bag.
This family event will feature music, as well as food provided by JR’s Food Truck and Micallizi’s Italian Ice.
The Westport PBA is a charitable organization which donates money to many worthwhile causes such as the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Special Olympics, and Veterans and Families of Fallen Officers.
Trophies will be awarded and of course lots of raffle prizes to win! Please come out this Saturday to support the Westport PBA.
The rain date for this event is Saturday, August 21, 2021. Same time and location.
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.
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.