Police: Expect Downtown Delays next Saturday

Westport Police Department Press Release: 

The Westport Downtown Merchants Association will be holding an outdoor downtown shopping event next Saturday, June18th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  This event will necessitate the closure of Main Street between Post Road East and Elm Street from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM on June 18th.  These road closures will result in traffic congestion downtown and increased pedestrian traffic as the Yankee Doodle Fair is also being held that afternoon on Imperial Avenue.  

Motorists should expect delays in the center of town due to these closures.  The Police Department asks that pedestrians utilize the marked crosswalks and motorists use extra caution while driving through the area.

Police Report School Employee Fell Asleep while Intoxicated at Work; Arrested for Risking Injury to Child

Westport Police Department Release

Westport Police Department contributed photo

On November 23, 2021, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Westport Police detectives responded to Greens Farms Elementary School on a report that a staff member was possibly impaired.  Upon arrival, detectives learned that Speech and Language Pathologist Michelle Babin allegedly fell asleep while providing educational instruction to a student.  The investigation further revealed that it purportedly took staff at least thirty seconds to wake Ms. Babin and when she finally did wake up, she was reportedly mumbling incoherently.  Additionally, she purportedly had the odor of alcohol on her breath.  Ms. Babin was ultimately transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation.  

The detectives conducted an extensive investigation and concluded that the student in question was not being appropriately supervised while in Ms. Babin’s care because she was reportedly both asleep as well as possibly intoxicated when she was supposed to be instructing him.  This put the child at great risk of being injured.  A warrant for Ms. Babin’s arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.

On the afternoon of December 30, 2021, Ms. Babin turned herself in at the Westport Police Department.  Per the warrant, she was charged with Risk of Injury to a Child.  Ms. Babin was released after posting a $75,000.00 bond and was arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on  January 5, 2022. 

Man Arrested for Smacking Child; Charged with Risk of Injury to a Minor, Out on $50,000 Bond

Westport Police Department Release

On September 1, 2021, Westport Police detectives began to investigate the possible abuse and/or neglect of a minor.  It was alleged that in early April of 2021, an individual identified as Anjelu Sajetta hit a child across the face with an open hand.  Based on the investigation, a warrant for Mr. Sajetta’s arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.

On the afternoon of December 23, 2021, Mr. Sajetta was taken into custody by members of the Stratford Police Department and turned over to Westport officers.  Per the warrant, he was charged with Risk of Injury to a Child.  Mr. Sajetta was released after posting a $50,000.00 bond and was arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on December 27, 2021.

Man Rescued from Waters off of Saugatuck Shores at Sunrise

Westport Police Department Release

 At approximately 5:55 a.m. this morning, Westport Police officers responded to Saugatuck Shores on a report of an elderly male who was missing. Several officers immediately began to search the area and a short time later the missing man was spotted partially submerged in the water.

Given the temperature of the water, it was imperative that the officers immediately begin efforts to rescue the individual. A canoe owned by a private citizen was located close by and deployed. One officer held the man’s head above the water while several others lifted him into the canoe. Once the man was safely in the canoe he was brought to the shoreline where personnel from the Westport Fire Department assisted with removing him from the vessel and then brought him to waiting EMS personnel. EMS evaluated the man on scene, and he was transported to the hospital for further treatment. While the man’s condition is unknown at this time, any injuries he may have sustained did not appear to be life threatening.

Chief Koskinas stated he was very proud of the of the officers who were involved in this rescue. “There is no doubt that these officers’ quick thinking and superior teamwork led to a positive outcome.”  The Chief also extended his thanks to both the Fire Department and EMS for the valuable assistance that they provided.