Westporters and Visitors Enjoyed Last Weekend's Beautiful Weather, This Weekend Looks Anything But Beautiful
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Last weekend's beautiful summer-like weather brought people outdoors everywhere from downtown to Compo beach to enjoy the temps in the mid 70's and the warm sunshine. This weekend does not look like it will bear any resemblance to that be delightful weather.
Rain is expected to blanket the area both Saturday and Sunday as a result of tropical rainstorm Ophelia which may put a damper on one of Westport's favorite events, Saturday's Rotary Lobster Fest held each year at Compo beach.
The beautiful impatiens in front of Anthropologie and at Bedford Square were full and lush but it will not be long before a freeze one night ends their beautiful display. One passer-by in his car may have smelled the great food being enjoyed by lunch time diners sitting at the many tables at downtown restaurants including a young woman visiting Westport from NYC.
Newly installed, very stylish bike racks on Main St. and Church Lane come in handy as they did for Jeff Cuff of Westport who parked his Lectric e-bike at this one. Some of the company's higher end e-bikes go for as much as $1500.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Meanwhile, at Compo Beach folks enjoyed catching some rays and a few even went for a swim as the water temps were actually mild. Some strolled through the beach, others did the picnic thing or walked along Soundview.
The playground at Compo was a busy scene with children and their parents enjoying some playtime. There was a birthday party at the outdoor pavilion for a young man who was clearly a Buffalo Bills fan
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Inside the brick pavilion, Hannah Makmale, who won a gold medal at the annual U.S. Rowing Youth National Championship in Sarasota, Florida in June rowing for the Saugatuck Rowing Club, celebrated her 16th birthday with a group of her Weston friends.
A seagull who had been eyeing first one door and then the next at Hook'd On The Sound, hoping for an opportunity to grab a snack. He finally made his move and was very unceremoniously escorted out by one of their employees.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Later, in Saugatuck, the bubble tent domes at Rizzuto's were replaced earlier this season with tent canopies adorned with flowers, garlands and other decorations creating a lovely tropical ambience. for their dinner guests.
Public Forum On Car Jacking & Thefts Tonight At Town Hall
In collaboration with First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, the Westport Police Department will host a Public Forum on Public Safety as it relates to car thefts, vehicle break-ins and the recent carjacking incident. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion focusing on the safety concerns voiced by members of our community. Chief Koskinas and members of the command staff will present the ongoing work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force that was formed due to the increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area.
The event will be live streamed on the Westport Town Website:
Interested residents may also view a Westport What's Happening Podcast of an interview with First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Chief Of Police Foti Koskinas on the topic.In this very important episode Chief Koskinas and First Selectwoman Tooker discuss the recent carjacking incident and auto thefts in Westport and how to prevent them.
Most important says Chief Koskinas is: LOCK YOUR CAR
BUSTED! Westport Police Make Arrest In Sunday Carjacking
On Tuesday members of Westport PD's Detective Bureau arrested a 16 year old juvenile in connection with the carjacking that occurred on Sunday September 16th. Westport Detectives, as part of the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force on Monday executed a search warrant of a residence in Berlin, CT.
Based on information obtained by the Westport Detective Bureau, a warrant to search a residence in Berlin, CT was secured. On September 18, 2023, the warrant was executed by members of the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force, of which Westport is a member, along with members of Berlin Police Department. During this search four stolen motor vehicles were recovered, one of which was the Aston Martin taken during the carjacking (above, center).
A 2021 BMW 530i that was stolen from Westport on September 16 and used in the carjacking was also located during the search (above, right). Finally, a BMW stolen from Ridgefield (above, right) and a Porsche stolen from Rhode Island (below, right) were also recovered. Twenty-nine-year-old Derek McGill, (above, left) who lives at the home where the stolen cars were found, was placed under arrest by the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force but does not currently have charges pending in Westport. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and has been charged with the following crimes: Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree (4 Counts), Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st (1 Count), Payment Card Theft (1 Count). Illegal Operation of a Chop Shop (1 Count), Conspiracy to Commit Illegal Operation of a Chop Shop (1 Count
A second search warrant was also executed today.
According to Westport PD Lt. Eric Woods:
On September 19, 2023, Westport Police Detectives, the Connecticut State Police Violent Crime Task Force, and members of the Waterbury Police Department executed a second search warrant on a residence in Waterbury, CT. A handgun with an extended magazine was seized. A sixteen-year-old juvenile who resides in the home was arrested by Westport police after evidence linking him to the carjacking was uncovered. He was charged with the following crimes: Strangulation 1st Degree, Robbery by Carjacking, Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Attempt to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, Assault 3rd Degree. After conversation with juvenile prosecutors, an additional charge of home invasion has been filed against the 16 year old juvenile.
Contributed photos supplied by Westport Police.
Home Invasion/Car Jacking On Bayberry Lane On Sunday Under Investigation By Westport Police
The assault and car jacking was captured by homeowner’s video camera.
A Bayberry Lane homeowner got the shock of his life after pulling his Aston Martin into his garage when two individuals entered his garage and began the terrifying assault which was captured on the homeowners video camera. Video of the event was released to the media by Westport Police.
Westport PD Press Release On Sunday 9.17.23:
On Sunday, September 17, 2023 at approximately 3:50 PM Westport Police responded to a residential burglary and carjacking on Bayberry Lane. The complainant reported that as they returned home and pulled into their garage, two (2) suspects entered the garage. The suspects assaulted the complainant while they were seated in the vehicle and subsequently stole their blue Aston Martin after forcibly removing the victim. It is believed that the suspects arrived at the residence in a dark blue BMW, as this vehicle was seen fleeing with the stolen vehicle. The complaint suffered minor injuries as a result of the assault but declined medical attention. Broadcast messages were sent to neighboring towns and Connecticut State Police. Both of these vehicles were reported to be last seen traveling north on Route 8. The Westport Police Detective Bureau is currently investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact us at (203)341-6080.
It is believed that our victim was targeted and followed back to their residence. Therefore, Westport Police are encouraging residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to 911.
WPD Update on Monday 9.18.23:
There have been no significant developments in the investigation as of this writing. The Aston Martin has not been recovered and there have been no arrests. The dark blue BMW that was involved was later reported stolen from Norwalk..
Westport police to host public forum on this and Car theft issuesI.
n an additional Press Release on Monday by Westport PD, the department announced it will be hosting a forum on public safety do to the seriousness of this incident and the number of vehicle thefts in town over the last 18 months or even earlier.
WPD Press Release:
In collaboration with First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, the Westport Police Department will host a Public Forum on Public Safety as it relates to car thefts, vehicle break-ins and the recent carjacking incident. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion focusing on the safety concerns voiced by members of our community. Chief Koskinas and members of the command staff will present the ongoing work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force that was formed due to the increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area. Special attention will be given to police practices that are utilized to combat the theft of vehicles. The forum will provide information and instructions to increase situational awareness and help our community avoid being victims of these crimes.
We hope to see everyone Wednesday at this important and informative meeting.