Police Looking for 2 Women in Connection with Downtown Shoplifting
Westport Police Department: The Westport Police are attempting to identify the two pictured females. We would like to speak with them about a shoplifting incident that occurred on Main Street on October 10, 2022, at around 1:40 p.m.
If anyone recognizes either female, please call Det. Jon Lauria at 203-341-6017.
International Flags Celebrate United Nations Day
The flags of UN affiliate countries flew this weekend ahead of today’s United Nations Day celebrations, which included a lecture about the environment at the Library - sponsored by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut. WestportLocal.com photo
Staples Offense Explosive Against Stamford, Scoring 42-7 Victory
The Wreckers offensive power was clearly evident on Saturday, with the Wreckers heading into the locker room at half-time with a 28-0 lead over the Black Nights.
Stamford entered the third quarter determined to put points on the board, which they managed to do against a stifling Wrecker defense scoring their only touchdown early in the period, however it would be the only time they were able to beat the defense.
Staples answered back almost immediately with a 70 yard run off a screen pass by senior Tyler Clark whose offensive contributions included 12 receptions, and two TD's for a total of 208 yards. Caleb Smith was outstanding with 4 touchdown passes and scored another TD rushing.
With 12 receptions, Tyler Clark gained 208 yards and scored two touchdowns. Adding to the total were James Hillhouse, Michael Nealon and Alex Fiala, each with a touchdown..
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
The Staples Cheerleaders did their part as well.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 11am, then areas of drizzle after 11am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog after 11am. High near 64. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Areas of drizzle with a chance of light rain. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow
A 40 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. East wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow Night
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind around 6 mph.
Old Library Blues
Blue skies met the intricate roofline of the original Westport Library at the corner of Main and Post. WestportLocal.com photo
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Light and variable wind.
Tomorrow
Showers likely, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Northeast wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 3; State Positivity Rate 8.71%
The State Department of Public Health reported 3 new COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past two days. The State positivity rate remained at 8.71% while 432 people remain hospitalized.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,935 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 8.71%
Westport Police Working to Identify Caller in Staples “Swatting” Incident
Press ReleaseOn October 21, 2022, at approximately 9:10 a.m., Westport’s Emergency Communications Center received a call from a person who was reporting that there was an active shooter inside Staples High School. The patrol and detective divisions as well as officers in administrative rolls immediately went to the school. As officers were responding, contact was established with the School Resource Officer who stated that there was no indication of a problem at the location. This led the department to believe that this may be what is referred to as a “swatting” call. Despite the possibility of this being a hoax, the high school was placed on lock down and the police department proceeded as if there was an active threat.
Once on scene, teams of officers checked the entire school to confirm there was no shooter. This exhaustive search included checking each room within the high school as well as all common areas. Nothing of concern was discovered which confirmed our belief that the call reporting the active shooter was in fact a hoax. It is our understanding that other schools throughout the state received the same call.
Out of an abundance of caution, officers will be stationed at all of Westport’s schools for the remainder of the day.
The outstanding communication between the police and school officials allowed this incident to run smoothly. Additionally, the members of the police department were incredibly impressed with the composure exhibited by students and faculty alike in the face of a very freighting situation.
The police department’s detective bureau has assumed control of this investigation and are looking to identify the caller.
We would like to thank the Norwalk, Fairfield, Wilton, and Weston police departments for the assistance they provided during the incident.
Westport Property Transfers: October 3rd - 7th; Highest Sale at $15.1 Million on Cross Highway
Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $110,683.11
Total Sales: $44,273,245.89
Highest Transfer Price: 167 Cross Highway: $15,175,000
Lowest Transfer Price: 14 Reimer Road: $690,000
Transfers:
167 Cross Highway: $15,175,000
19 Old Hill Farms Road: $5,100,000
20 Silver Brook Road: $4,148,585.98
15 Duck Pond Road: $3,500,000
4 Trailing Rock Lane: $3,469,659.91
5 Hermit Lane: $3,300,000
8 Sycamore Drive: $2,775,000
21 Grove Point Road: $2,520,000
18 Cross Highway: $1,075,000
10 Greenwood Lane: $1,025,000
153 Compo Road North: $775,000
31 Hiawatha Lane Extension: $720,000
14 Reimer Road: $690,000
Superintendent Gives Update after Staples Lockdown
Dear Westport Families and Staff,
This morning the Westport Police received a phone call indicating a potential threat at Staples High School. Although we have since learned that multiple schools across the state received the same threat, at the time, the response protocol warranted a thorough onsite evaluation of Staples, including an armed room by room threat assessment.
To be clear, police weapons were in sight of students and staff and as a result, we are changing our focus for the remainder of the school day. Schools will follow the normal schedule and students will be provided emotional support as needed. However, teachers have been asked to focus on the social/emotional needs of their students for the remainder of the day. Students will remain in school as it is appropriate to remain together as a school community at this time.
While this evaluation was conducted, all of the other schools in Westport were supported with an onsite police presence and put into place appropriate safety protocols.
Upon completion of the extensive analysis by the Westport Police Department, the building was deemed safe and the threat was determined to lack credibility.
We are grateful for the swift response of our police department and the communication between the schools and WPD in handling this matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent