Police Looking for Information on 1989 Death of Westporter found Burned on Main Street
Contributed photo of Joan M. Werktin.Westport Police Department:
On May 24, 1989 at approximately 11:00 pm, officers and fire personnel were dispatched to a report of a fire in the rear of the 337 Main Street shopping plaza. Arriving first responders observed a female body had been burned at that location near the wood line. Shortly thereafter, the deceased’s husband contacted police to report her missing.
The deceased, Joan M. Werktin, then age 38, of Westport, had allegedly left her residence earlier that evening to go grocery shopping, but never returned home. Her vehicle, a white 1988 BMW 325, was located parked in the front of the shopping plaza. Joan Wertkin was a petite white female with long dark hair and a thin build. On the night of her death, she was reportedly wearing a dark colored running suit made of velour type material. Investigators do not believe she drove herself to the Main Street location.
The murder of Joan Wertkin is an active investigation and is being evaluated with advanced techniques. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lieutenant Jillian Cabana and Detective Philip Restieri at (203) 520-3831 or coldcasetips@westportct.gov.
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.
“The Unit”: Westport Officers to Fight Traffic Issues after Community Outcry for Enforcement
The Westport Police Department announced today that it will be establishing a Traffic Safety Unit (the “Unit”) in early October. The Unit’s sole focus will be to mitigate the traffic related issues affecting the Westport community. This will include targeted motor vehicle enforcement on our area roadways with an emphasis on aggressive and distracted driving. Additionally, the officers in the Unit will host educational programs and forums where members of the community can meet with the Unit officers to share their concerns.
Over the past several months, First Selectwoman Jen Tooker organized a series of meetings where citizens were invited to meet with representatives from the Police, Fire, Public Works, and P&Z Departments to voice their traffic related issues and concerns. Ms. Tooker said, “Clearly, poor driving habits have become a major quality of life issue for our residents. So, Police Chief Koskinas and I are committed to making our roadways safer for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The newly created Traffic Safety Unit is a vital step in accomplishing that goal.”
Police Chief Koskinas stated, “traffic safety has always been one of the police department’s top priorities and it is my belief that the new Traffic Safety Unit will have a positive effect on altering drivers’ behaviors.”
The Traffic Safety Unit will be comprised of two police officers – Scott Thompson and Dominique Carr. Officer Thompson joined the department in July of 2017. Prior to coming to Westport, he was an officer in Trumbull for thirty years. During his tenure with the Trumbull Police, Officer Thompson spent over sixteen years in its Traffic Unit. He is a certified motorcycle officer and is on Westport’s Accident Investigation Team. Officer Carr joined the department in November of 2020. Prior to coming to Westport, he spent two years with the Windsor Police Department. Officer Carr is a certified motorcycle officer.
Promoting safe and responsible driving is of the utmost importance to the Westport Police Department, so we ask the motoring public to do their part. Please drive carefully and obey all traffic laws.
Westport Police, EMS Mourn Death of Longtime EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake
Press Release
The Westport Police Department and Emergency Medical Services are mourning the death of EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake. Crew Chief Blake passed away on Tuesday, September 20.
Crew Chief Blake was hired in May of 1990 and had a long and rewarding career serving the Westport community. He was a representative for the Southwest EMS Council for over ten years and was most recently the organization’s president. Also, Crew Chief Blake was a certified child safety seat instructor and helped organize numerous car safety seat clinics throughout Fairfield County.
In addition to dutifully serving the town of Westport, Crew Chief Blake was a volunteer with Weston’s fire department and emergency medical services for over thirty years. During his tenure he served as the department’s vice president and obtained the rank of lieutenant. Even in his off time, he wanted to serve.
Those who knew Crew Chief Blake quickly realized that his passion was to help anyway he could. Whether it be organizing a child safety seat clinic, treating a sick patient, or helping at the scene of a fire in Weston, Crew Chief Blake was there. His dedication and passion will most certainly be missed.
Deputy Chief Sam Arciola who oversees Westport EMS said that “Mark was an incredibly dedicated public servant as well as a widely respected EMT and he never hesitated to put the needs of others above his own.” First Selectwoman Jen Tooker stated, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Crew Chief Blake. On behalf of the Town, I want to extend my condolences to his friends and family as well as express how appreciative the town is for all his years helping our community.”
For details regarding services please follow this link: https://www.hardingfuneral.com/obituaries/Mark-A.-Blake?obId=25922840#/celebrationWall
Westport Police Arrest Two in Roadside Drug Bust; Fentanyl-Laced Drugs Seized
Press Release
On this date at approximately 9:40 a.m. an officer conducting traffic enforcement on the Sherwood Island Connector pulled a car over for a motor vehicle violation. Upon approaching the car, the officer saw that there were four men inside. As the driver was retrieving paperwork from the glove compartment, the officer observed a plastic bag that contained several red capsules. He knew that capsules of that type are typically used to package crack cocaine. At this point, the officer called for additional units to assist him with this investigation. Seconds later, the person sitting in the front passenger seat ran from the vehicle and fled into the woods adjacent to the commuter parking lot. The officer chased the individual and saw him discarding items as he ran. The passenger was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers. The other three occupants remained with the car and did not attempt to flee.
The evidence that the passenger discarded during the foot chase was suspected narcotics and a scale. The suspected narcotics were tested and determined to be cocaine and crack. Both were mixed with fentanyl. The crack cocaine weighed twelve grams and the cocaine weighed sixty grams.
The passenger who ran was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Illegal Operation of a Drug Factory, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering With Evidence, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, and Interfering With an Officer. He is currently being held on a $75,000.00 bond.
The driver was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interfering With an Officer, Criminal Impersonation, Misuse of a License Plate, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance, Illegal Tinting, and Operating Without a License. He is currently being held on a $51,000.00 bond.
The rear passengers were not charged. However, one was taken into custody as he had outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.
The identities of the two parties arrested will be released at a later time, as the investigators are still working on confirming their identities.
UPDATE: Driver Suffers Life Threatening Injuries in Crash after being Ejected from Vehicle
Post Road East was closed late Thursday at Hills Point Road as the accident investigation teams worked on the scene. WestportLocal.com photoWestport Police Department: On September 1, 2022, at approximately 9:30 PM, the Westport Police Department received numerous 911 calls regarding a serious motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Sherwood Island Connector and Post Rd East. Arriving officers found a single car, roll-over type crash, and discovered that the operator had been ejected from the vehicle. The operator was transported to Norwalk Hospital with life threatening injuries while the passenger was transported with minor injuries.
The crash is being investigated by the Westport Police Accident Investigation team with the assistance of the Fairfield Police Accident Investigation team.
The Sherwood Island Connector is currently closed between Post Rd E and Greens Farms Rd
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call the Westport Police Department at (203)341-6000.
Man Arrested for Assault, Violating Protective Order, Risking Injury to Child
Westport Police: On August 19, 2022, at approximately 1:10 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to a location in Westport on a report of a disturbance. It was alleged that during an argument Sheridan Webb punched another person in the face. Mr. Webb was no longer on the scene when officers arrived and a search of the area for him was not successful. Children under the age of sixteen were present during the incident. Additionally, officers discovered that there was an order of protection in place barring Mr. Webb from being at the home of the person he was accused of assaulting. A warrant for Mr. Webb’s arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.
On the afternoon of August 20, 2022, Mr. Webb turned himself in at the Westport Police Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with Criminal Violation of a Protective Order, Assault in the Third Degree, three counts of Risk of Injury to a Child, and Disorderly Conduct. Mr. Webb was released after posting a $25,000.00 bond and was arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on the morning of August 22.
18 Year Old Stamford Man Arrested for March Car Theft
On March 15, 2022, at approximately 7:35 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to a residence on a report of a stolen car. The complainant said that his Toyota Tacoma was taken from his driveway sometime during the overnight hours. The pick-up truck was recovered in Stamford, CT on March 16. A cell phone was found in the vehicle. Given that the investigating detective believed that the phone belonged to someone involved in the theft, a search warrant was completed to examine the contents of the phone. Based on the results of that examination, DeMarcus Bennett was developed as a suspect. Additional evidence tying him to the crime was obtained. A warrant for Mr. Bennett’s arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.
On the morning of August 16, 2022, Mr. Bennett turned himself in at the Westport Police Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with Larceny in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the First Degree. Mr. Bennett was held on a $20,000.00 bond and was transported to Stamford Superior Court the morning of August 17, 2022, to be arraigned.
Police: Man Out on Bond after Levitt Pavilion Arrest
Press Release
On July 29, 2022, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Westport Police officers responded to 40 Jesup Road, the Levitt Pavilion, on a report of a disturbance. There was a concert at the time, and one of the patrons was being unruly. This individual was identified as Everald Davis, Jr. Mr. Davis was allegedly standing on a table, was belligerent with event staff, and grabbing onto other guests. When an officer attempted to escort Mr. Davis from the premises, he purportedly became combative. He was safely detained and ultimately transported to the hospital for an evaluation as there was concern that he was under the influence of narcotics. A warrant for Mr. Davis’s arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court judge.
On the evening of August 9, 2022, Mr. Davis turned himself in at the Westport Police Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with Breach of Peace and Interfering With an Officer. Mr. Davis was released after posting a $30,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on August 19.
Westport Man Arrested after Leaving Guns Unsecured in Car; Guns Subsequently Stolen
Westport Police Department:
On May 28, 2022, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Westport Police officers responded to 371 Post Road East on a report of a larceny from a motor vehicle. The complainant, Frank Seccurra, stated that a short time earlier multiple firearms were stolen from his vehicle. He said that at the time of the theft he believed that the car was locked. It is alleged that Mr. Seccurra did not properly secure the firearms in his vehicle and therefore a warrant for his arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court judge.
On the afternoon of July 20, 2022, Mr. Seccurra turned himself in at the Westport Police Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with Improper Storage of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle. Mr. Seccurra was released after posting a $25,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on August 5.
The theft of the guns is still under investigation.