Train Passenger Spit On after Telling Man to Put on a Mask Prior to the Westport Station
Video shows fight on Metro-North train near Westport over mask-wearing
A video taken Wednesday morning shows a fight on a Metro-North train near Westport heading to Grand Central after a younger rider approached another for not wearing a mask.
"I’ve been commuting by train for over a decade and you know, usually get the verbal confrontations, you know, 'Your radio’s too high. Do you have headphones? This is the quiet car,'" says Eric Lewin, who witnessed the incident. "The kid goes, 'I can’t wear a mask because of some type of condition I have,' and, you know, 'I was here first, you can move away if you want to.' One thing led to another, another person got involved, kind of pointed at the sign that said the masks were mandatory for the trip and then the younger individual spit at the guy."
That's when things got violent.
Renee Price with the MTA released a statement that says, "While masks are required when riding our trains, we do not encourage passengers to approach other customers regarding masks. Customers are encouraged to contact an MTA employee or a police officer, who have free masks they can distribute, and are trained in how to handle situations of this nature."
"You know, 99% on the train are wearing them but there are some people who just won't wear it and sometimes the conductor will confront them, you know, tell them this is mandatory. They actually do make announcements at every stop that you must wear one," Lewis says.
If you don't wear a mask, the fine is $100 in Connecticut and $50 in New York. News 12 is told the MTA has handed out 700,000 free masks to riders over the past year.
Per policy, the conductor called police. Officers met the train in Westport, and say the man not wearing a mask ran off.
Officials say the other person involved in the confrontation had cuts to his face and was treated by EMS at the scene.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 1; No Deaths; State Positivity Rate Highest Since May at 1.28%
The Westport-Weston Health District reports that Westport’s COVID-19 cases were up one today. The State’s daily test positivity rate was 1.28%, continuing a slight upward trend compared to the previous weeks.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,807 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 1.28%
The First Weston Fine Arts Festival is Coming to Town this Weekend
The first ever Weston Fine Arts Festival will be hosted Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18. Flyer from gordonfinearts.org.
Words from WestonArts Inc.
One of Weston’s first big celebrations in nearly 18 months is happening on the weekend of July 17th and 18th (10am- 5pm) on the fairgrounds of Weston CT.
The first Weston Fine Arts Festival hosted by WestonArts, Inc., in collaboration with Gordon Fine Arts is here!
This will be a true celebration of the arts in every way. Over 70 juried fine artists will be participating. In addition, WestonArts is hosting an exclusive exhibit, juried by the highly regarded Miggs Burroughs, Lisa Stretton and Agata Tria with cash prizes. Audrey and Drew Klotz will be proudly presenting The John W. Moffly IV Award for Art Excellence.
Karl Schulz, a Weston high school student WestonArts youth board member, is the musical event coordinator and is thrilled to present an amazing lineup of local talent.
In further celebration of the arts in Weston, our much loved neighbor and honored ribbon cutter will be famed musician Jose Feliciano, who will perform immediately following the ceremony on Saturday.
Chris Coogan and his quintet will be performing leading up to the ceremony from 12-1:45 pm on 7/17.
Hans Wilhelm and Judy Henderson, the gifted couple who bring endless joy to the entire community, will honor us all with their participation in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Come see who else will be a ribbon-cutter at this exciting tribute to the arts.
Enjoy the many food trucks and refreshments, including Jose's favorite food truck.
This is a free public event sponsored by the Daniel E. Offutt III Charitable Trust, R. Hahn Foundation, Lyonsplain Architecture, Weston Commission for the Arts and WestonArts, Inc.
Please contact info@westonarts.org for further information. We hope to see you there!
Morning Weather Report
Today
Patchy drizzle and thunderstorms before 7am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Areas of fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 87. Heat index values as high as 96. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tonight
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3am. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Light and variable wind.
Tomorrow
Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Light south wind.