Tag:

Public Safety

These 68 Bridges Are At Risk Of Failure, NTSB Finds After Key Bridge Collapse These 68 Bridges Are At Risk Of Failure, NTSB Finds After Key Bridge Collapse
These 68 Bridges Are At Risk Of Failure, NTSB Finds After Key Bridge Collapse The catastrophic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland is sparking national concern as federal investigators warn that nearly 70 other bridges across the country could face a similar fate. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday, March 20, recommended that 30 bridge owners conduct urgent vulnerability assessments after an investigation into the deadly collapse of the Key Bridge found it was nearly 30 times above the acceptable risk threshold for critical structures. Key Bridge collapse. Baltimore County PD According to the NTSB, 68 bri…
CT Officer Funeral Will Have Major Impact On Traffic CT Officer Funeral Will Have Major Impact On Traffic
CT Officer Funeral Will Have Major Impact On Traffic A Connecticut community will gather later this week to celebrate the life of Yale Public Safety Officer Gregory Swiantek who died suddenly after suffering a severe medical event on March 12.  Loved ones, colleagues, and caring community members will gather for his funeral on Wednesday, March 19, at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, 95 South Turnpike Road, in Wallingford at noon.  Original Report: Yale Officer, Father Dies Following Medical Event: His 'Spirit Shined In Small Moments' View this post on Instagram A post shared by…
8-Alarm Fire Erupts At Boston Trash Transfer Station (DEVELOPING) 8-Alarm Fire Erupts At Boston Trash Transfer Station (DEVELOPING)
8-Alarm Fire Erupts At Boston Trash Transfer Station (Developing) Firefighters from across Boston were at the scene of an 8-alarm fire Sunday morning,  The Boston FD said all firefighters had been ordered from the building along Gerard Street in Roxbury. Nearly 150 firefighters were at the scene. The blaze had struck 8 alarms as of 10:40 a.m. At approximately 8:30 heavy smoke from a large trash transfer station at 65 Gerard st. Roxbury . This is now at 5 alarms. pic.twitter.com/VdwBqAaBy3 — Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 16, 2025 All Firefighters have been ordered to out of the building, a 6th alarm has been ordered. Firefighters ar…
Beloved CT Officer, Father Dies Following Medical Event: 'Spirit Shined In Small Moments' Beloved CT Officer, Father Dies Following Medical Event: 'Spirit Shined In Small Moments'
Beloved CT Officer, Father Dies Following Medical Event: 'Spirit Shined In Small Moments' A popular and well-respected officer and father is being remembered for his compassion, diligence, and support he showed everyone.  Yale Public Safety Officer Gregory Swiantek died suddenly on Wednesday, March 12, following a "fatal medical event," the department said. He leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter Remy and many friends and family members.  The Yale Public Safety Department said he served as a member of the Honor Guard and was a field-training officer.  Always the first to offer a helping hand, his kindness, compassion, and unwavering support touched countless live…
Late-Night Gunshots Land CT Convicted Felon Back Behind Bars: Police Late-Night Gunshots Land CT Convicted Felon Back Behind Bars: Police
Late-Night Gunshots Land CT Convicted Felon Back Behind Bars: Police Reports of a late-night shooting prompted a high-stakes police response at a Connecticut home, where officers uncovered a stockpile of firearms and arrested a convicted felon, authorities said.  Ryan Ortiz, 39, was arrested at a home on Franklin Street in Ansonia after neighbors called police after seeing someone point a gun out a window and fire multiple shots into the woods, authorities said. Ansonia police arrived to find multiple shell casings outside the house, which prompted a deeper investigation. Officers found two handguns, a shotgun, three BB guns, and ammo inside, authoriti…
CT Man Sent Threat Against Area Schools, Officers Seize Guns: Police CT Man Sent Threat Against Area Schools, Officers Seize Guns: Police
CT Man Sent Threat Against Area Schools, Officers Seize Guns: Police A Connecticut man was arrested this week, and police seized his weapons after he allegedly sent an online threat about area schools, authorities said. Colby Kordas, 23, of Canton, was arrested on Thursday, March 6, after a woman saw a Snapchat post from him featuring a man holding a black-and-green rifle with the caption, "Schools better beware," Connecticut State Police said.  The message said he was in Waterbury. When troopers tracked Kordas down, he admitted to investigators that he took the photo of his friend holding the gun and made the social media post, but he said he nev…
21-Year-Old Hospitalized After CT Shooting; Police Asking For Tips 21-Year-Old Hospitalized After CT Shooting; Police Asking For Tips
21-Year-Old Hospitalized After CT Shooting; Police Asking For Tips Police are asking for information after a 21-year-old man was dropped off at a Connecticut hospital with a gunshot wound earlier this week.  Waterbury Police say the victim was dropped off at the Waterbury Hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg on Monday night, March 3. He is expected to recover, with medical staff calling the injury non-life-threatening. The victim told authorities the shooting happened outside near Bucks Hill Road. Officers have not said if they believe the victim was targeted or if there is a suspect at large. Waterbury detectives urge anyone with information to …
Viral Video Captures Shocking CT Robbery, Police Slam Bystander Inaction Viral Video Captures Shocking CT Robbery, Police Slam Bystander Inaction
Viral Video Captures Shocking CT Robbery, Police Slam Bystander Inaction Police are investigating a street robbery caught on video outside a popular Connecticut bar and restaurant, and they aren’t just looking for suspects — they’re also calling out bystanders who stood by and did not call for help.  The incident unfolded in front of The Spot on East Main Street in Ansonia on Saturday, March 1. A man reported that he was in a minor car crash, where the other driver turned aggressive. According to police, the woman involved in the crash allegedly yelled at the victim before stealing his wallet and phone. The victim was not injured, but instead of getting hel…
CT Man High On Drugs During Lisbon Crash: Cops; Also Charged In Wreck Where Newborn Later Died CT Man High On Drugs During Lisbon Crash: Cops; Also Charged In Wreck Where Newborn Later Died
CT Man High On Drugs During Lisbon Crash: Cops; Also Charged In Wreck Where Newborn Later Died A Connecticut man charged in a crash that killed a newborn last year was arrested again this week after police say he was high on fentanyl during another wreck. Eric LeBlanc, 25, was taken into custody on Wednesday, Feb. 26, following a crash on River Road in Lisbon, where officers found him with fentanyl and a loaded 9mm handgun, Connecticut State Police said.  Earlier Report: CT Man Accused in Deadly Crash Where Newborn Later Died Arrested After Another Wreck Troopers who responded to the crash said LeBlanc appeared intoxicated, noting his "pinpoint pupils and slow speech." During…
ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting
ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting A heroic ICU nurse who was held at gunpoint, forced to restrain a colleague, and used as a shield during the UPMC York hospital shooting is now struggling to heal from the trauma. A GoFundMe has been launched to support Tosha Trostle, who says the psychological scars run deeper than any physical wound. “I Was Used As A Human Shield” Tosha Trostle was drawing blood when she heard a commotion in the hallway of UPMC York’s ICU. Thinking it was a routine emergency, she stepped out—only to come face-to-face with the gunman holding her coworker, Jess, at gunpoint. “He made Jess zip-tie my …
Bomb Threat Targets Brookfield State Senator, Claims Mailbox Explosive Bomb Threat Targets Brookfield State Senator, Claims Mailbox Explosive
Bomb Threat Targets Brookfield State Senator, Claims Mailbox Explosive A Connecticut state senator said he and his family are safe after receiving an email claiming someone had placed a pipe bomb in his mailbox. It marks the second bomb threat against a state leader in a week. Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield said he received the emailed threat on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and police quickly searched his home for potential explosive devices. They didn't find anything. Harding, a Republican, said the threat mentioned politics but didn't elaborate in a statement.  "My family and I are thankful for the always diligent and selfless work of the …
Slain Officer’s Final Wish Revealed As Funeral Plans Announced After Hospital Shooting Slain Officer’s Final Wish Revealed As Funeral Plans Announced After Hospital Shooting
Slain Officer’s Final Wish Revealed As Funeral Plans Announced After Hospital Shooting West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte will be laid to rest this week after he was killed in the line of duty during a mass shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County on Saturday, Feb, 22. His family, fellow officers, and an outpouring of community support are ensuring his legacy of service and sacrifice is never forgotten. Funeral Service Details Duarte’s funeral will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, PA. Due to high attendance expectations, seating arrangements are as follows: Seating inside the c…
Ex-Hartford Chief Tapped For Interim Role Amid Turmoil In Search For Permanent Leader: Report Ex-Hartford Chief Tapped For Interim Role Amid Turmoil In Search For Permanent Leader: Report
Ex-Hartford Chief Tapped For Interim Role Amid Turmoil In Search For Permanent Leader: Report Former Hartford Police Chief James Rovella will return to lead the department — at least for now. Mayor Arunan Arulampalam announced that Rovella will serve as interim chief starting Monday, Feb. 24, while the city continues its search for a permanent replacement, NBC Connecticut reported. The move comes after Philadelphia Police Captain Tyrell McCoy, Hartford’s initial pick, abruptly withdrew from consideration. Arulampalam cited "personal reasons" for McCoy’s decision, but NBC Connecticut Investigates uncovered a deeper issue—McCoy is under internal investigation in Philadelphia, including…
Teens Wanted In Multi-State Crime Spree, Firing At PA Troopers Captured In Connecticut Teens Wanted In Multi-State Crime Spree, Firing At PA Troopers Captured In Connecticut
Teens Wanted In Multi-State Crime Spree, Firing At PA Troopers Captured In Connecticut The two Tennessee teens who fired at Pennsylvania State Troopers during a multi-state crime spree have been captured in Hartford, Connecticut, authorities announced. Jeremiah Begley, 17, and Christian Guerrero Jr., 17, were taken into custody on Thursday, Feb. 27, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, Hartford Police, and the PSP Fugitive Apprehension Unit, state police said. They are being held in Connecticut while awaiting extradition to Dauphin County, PA. The Crime Spree The chaos began on Feb. 23, 2025, at 12:40 p.m., when a motorist on I-81 in Silver Spring Township, Cumbe…
(UPDATE) Ice Causes CT Train Derailment, Closing Highway (UPDATE) Ice Causes CT Train Derailment, Closing Highway
(Update) Ice Causes CT Train Derailment, Closing Highway Update: Police have reopened Route 372 following Saturday morning's train derailment.  Original: A minor train derailment on Saturday morning, Feb. 22, caused major delays for some passengers and drivers The incident happened around 8 a.m. in Plainville when the Berkshire and Eastern train company derailed in the area of West Main Crossing, NBC Connecticut reported.  The derailment was caused by ice, but no one was injured.  Workers closed Route 372 (West Main Street) near the Plainville Town Hall as crews righted the engine, the report said. The roads were …
Bridgeport's 'Cannibal Killer' Granted Conditional Release; Leaders Blast 'Outrageous' Decision Bridgeport's 'Cannibal Killer' Granted Conditional Release; Leaders Blast 'Outrageous' Decision
Bridgeport's 'Cannibal Killer' Granted Conditional Release; Leaders Blast 'Outrageous' Decision A Bridgeport man held in a psychiatric facility for more than a decade after admitting to killing a man and eating parts of his brain and other body parts received a "conditional release" on Friday, Feb. 21. Tyree Smith was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2011 killing of Angel Gonzalez, a homeless man, at an abandoned home, the CT Post reported in 2013. A three-judge panel ruled Smith was insane and should be held in a psychiatric hospital for 60 years. Gonzalez’s family said at the time that they wanted to see Smith locked up for the rest of his life, especially giv…
Man Who Stabbed Salman Rushdie Over Dozen Times Convicted Of Attempted Murder Man Who Stabbed Salman Rushdie Over Dozen Times Convicted Of Attempted Murder
Man Who Stabbed Salman Rushdie Over Dozen Times Convicted Of Attempted Murder A New Jersey man who repeatedly stabbed author Salman Rushdie on stage at a New York speaking engagement was convicted of attempted murder. Hadi Matar, 27, of Fairview, was also found guilty of assault in Chautauqua County Court on Friday, Feb. 21, for injuring another attendee following two hours of jury deliberations, Buffalo NBC affiliate WGRZ reports. Matar faces up to 25 years in prison when he's sentenced in April. The attack happened at around 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 12, 2022, as Rushdie was about to begin lecturing at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, located about 70 miles sou…
Hundreds Of FAA Staffers Cut By Trump Administration Amid String Of Plane Crashes Hundreds Of FAA Staffers Cut By Trump Administration Amid String Of Plane Crashes
Hundreds Of FAA Staffers Cut By Trump Administration Amid String Of Plane Crashes The Trump administration has fired hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, including safety engineers and technicians, despite four fatal aviation accidents since Inauguration Day—a move some warn could compromise air travel safety. On Friday, Feb. 14, several hundred FAA workers received termination notices, as reported by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union.  “We are troubled and disappointed by the administration’s decision to fire FAA probationary employees PASS represents without cause nor based on performance or conduct,” said PASS natio…
(UPDATE) Teen, 2-Year-Old Found Stabbed To Death Inside CT Home Following Harrowing 911 Call (UPDATE) Teen, 2-Year-Old Found Stabbed To Death Inside CT Home Following Harrowing 911 Call
(Update) Teen, 2-Year-Old Found Stabbed To Death Inside CT Home Following Harrowing 911 Call Update: West Haven police arrested a 26-year-old man and charged him with the brutal stabbing of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Hailey Miller, and their 2-year-old son. Click here for more information.  Original: A scuffle overheard by neighbors led police to a horrific discovery earlier this weekend: the bodies of a teenage woman and a 2-year-old son boy who'd been violently stabbed to death, authorities said.  Police received a 911 call just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, to reports of a woman screaming in the apartment above them at 430 Melroy Road in West Haven, officia…
Sex Offender ID'd As 'Peeping Tom' Banging On Bridgeport Apartment Windows, Police Say Sex Offender ID'd As 'Peeping Tom' Banging On Bridgeport Apartment Windows, Police Say
Sex Offender ID'd As 'Peeping Tom' Banging On Bridgeport Apartment Windows, Police Say Bridgeport police arrested a registered sex offender while investigating reports of a "Peeping Tom" in a neighborhood plagued by suspicious activity, authorities said. Officers responded to 655 Palisades Avenue on Monday, Feb. 4, after residents reported a man banging on windows and peering into apartments, according to the Bridgeport Police Department. The area had recently seen a rise in concerns over trespassers and attempted break-ins. During their investigation, officers made contact with Kevin Tucker, who was found to be in violation of unrelated offenses, police said. Records show he…
'I Hope We Don't Crash:' Passenger Admits To 'Stupid' Remarks At Tweed Airport, Cops Say 'I Hope We Don't Crash:' Passenger Admits To 'Stupid' Remarks At Tweed Airport, Cops Say
'I Hope We Don't Crash:' Passenger Admits To 'Stupid' Remarks At Tweed Airport, Cops Say A Fairfield man was arrested after making alarming comments about a bomb and plane crashes while boarding a flight at Tweed-New Haven Airport, sparking a major police response and delaying takeoff, authorities said. Jarrett Tucker, 31, was among the passengers boarding Avelo Flight 295 to Concord/Charlotte around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, when he began making unsettling remarks to others on board, according to New Haven police. As Tucker placed his luggage in the overhead compartment, he allegedly said, "I hope that's not a bomb," before adding, "I hope we don’t crash, there have bee…
ICE Arrests Convicted Sex Offender In CT Following Prison Release ICE Arrests Convicted Sex Offender In CT Following Prison Release
ICE Arrests Convicted Sex Offender In CT Following Prison Release U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a 52-year-old Brazilian national who was convicted in Connecticut of sexual assault, unlawful restraint, and violating a restraining order, authorities said. Emerson Eduardo Ferreira was taken into custody on Jan. 24, in Brooklyn, CT, after being released from state custody, ICE officials said. According to Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Ferreira entered the U.S. lawfully on April 27, 1999, but later violated the terms of his admission and "brutally victimized a Connecticu…
Suspended CT Driver Leads High-Speed Pursuit On Route 9: State Police Suspended CT Driver Leads High-Speed Pursuit On Route 9: State Police
Suspended CT Driver Leads High-Speed Pursuit On Route 9: State Police A Connecticut woman is facing multiple charges after leading state police on a high-speed chase before crashing into another vehicle on Route 9, authorities said. Troopers from Troop F – Westbrook were conducting routine traffic enforcement around 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, when they spotted a white Acura TL with a Connecticut registration on Route 9 southbound in Deep River. A check of the plate revealed that it was not registered to any motor vehicle, police said. When the trooper got behind the Acura, the driver, later identified as Meghan Lewonczyk, 37, of Manchester, abruptly made …
New Update: Here Are Final, Updated Snowfall Totals For Fairfield County New Update: Here Are Final, Updated Snowfall Totals For Fairfield County
New Update: Here Are Final, Updated Snowfall Totals For Fairfield County Here's a look at snowfall accumulation totals from Connecticut and Massachusetts compiled by the National Weather Service for the storm that moved through Saturday night, Feb. 8 into Sunday, Feb. 9. Location Amount Time/Date Provider Connecticut Fairfield County Sandy Hook 6.1 inches 0900 AM 02/09 COCORAHS Bridgeport Airport 5.0 inches 0700 AM 02/09 Official NWS Obs 1 E Danbury 5.0 inches 0700 AM 02/09 Trained Spotter New Canaan 5.0 inches 0800 AM 02/09 COCORAHS Newtown 5.3 S 5.0 inches 084…
Trespasser Who Offered Child Candy Arrested In Norwalk: Cops Trespasser Who Offered Child Candy Arrested In Norwalk: Cops
Trespasser Who Offered Child Candy Arrested In Norwalk: Cops A 29-year-old Norwalk man was arrested after trespassing on private property and approaching a child, offering them candy, authorities said. Norwalk Police responded to a suspicious person call in the area of Woodward Avenue around 9:40 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, Sergeant Ryan Evarts said. Officers were told that a man had entered private property and asked a child if they wanted candy and if they wished to listen to music. When the child declined, the man reportedly stood there watching them enter their home, police said. Based on a description given at the scene, officers searched the are…
Woman Who Opened Fire In CT Police Station Takes Plea Deal: 'We Are Satisfied' Woman Who Opened Fire In CT Police Station Takes Plea Deal: 'We Are Satisfied'
Woman Who Opened Fire In CT Police Station Takes Plea Deal: 'We Are Satisfied' A Connecticut woman accused of opening fire inside the Bristol Police Department lobby has taken a plea deal, officials said. Suzanne Laprise, 51, of Plainville, pleaded guilty in New Britain Court in connection with the October 6, 2023, shooting inside the station, Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello said in a statement. Laprise admitted to a charge of an attempt to commit assault. Laprise arrived at the police department at 11:38 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2023, after drinking at a bar in Bristol, according to an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). She entered the lobby holdin…
Car With Dog Inside Stolen In New Canaan; Police Searching For Both Car With Dog Inside Stolen In New Canaan; Police Searching For Both
Car With Dog Inside Stolen In New Canaan; Police Searching For Both A car thief stole a Range Rover in downtown Fairfield County this weekend, taking the French bulldog named Poppy that was inside, too. The theft happened in downtown New Canaan around 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2. Police said the owner left the SUV running with the keys inside near 80 Main St. when it was taken. Officers responded quickly and spotted the vehicle, but the driver sped off onto the Merritt Parkway northbound at Exit 38, according to New Canaan police. Due to state law, officers could not pursue the vehicle. A person claiming to be the owner posted on Facebook that the vehicle w…
CT Teen Shot In Broad Daylight Attack; Expected To Survive CT Teen Shot In Broad Daylight Attack; Expected To Survive
CT Teen Shot In Broad Daylight Attack; Expected To Survive Police are investigating the midday shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Connecticut on Friday, Jan. 31. Officers were called to the intersection of Congress Avenue and Washington Avenue in Waterbury around 1:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire. They found the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound, and paramedics rushed him to an area hospital, police said. Doctors determined the injury was not life-threatening. Police believe the shooting was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators are asking for the public's help. They urge anyone with information to call …
Driver Flashes Gun, Smile In Road Rage Incident On I-95 In Fairfield: Police Driver Flashes Gun, Smile In Road Rage Incident On I-95 In Fairfield: Police
Driver Flashes Gun, Smile In Road Rage Incident On I-95 In Fairfield: Police A road-rage encounter on I-95 South took a dangerous turn Tuesday morning when a driver allegedly brandished a gun and smirked before speeding off, state police said. The tense moments unfolded around 10:15 a.m. near Exit 19 in Fairfield when a motorist called 911, reporting that another driver had pulled out a firearm during a heated traffic dispute. According to state police, the altercation began when a gray Ford pickup tried to merge into the center lane without enough space, forcing the caller to swerve to avoid a crash. After passing the pickup in slower traffic, the caller noticed th…
2 Officers Shot Executing Search Warrant In CT; Suspect Killed: Reports 2 Officers Shot Executing Search Warrant In CT; Suspect Killed: Reports
2 Officers Shot Executing Search Warrant In CT; Suspect Killed: Reports Two West Haven police officers were shot early Wednesday, Jan. 29, while serving warrants in New Haven, reports said. The suspect was killed in a shootout. The officers, whose names and conditions have not been released, were part of a multi-agency task force. They were executing a search warrant at an apartment on Grand Ave. around 5:30 a.m. when gunfire erupted, NBC Connecticut reported. The New Haven police chief will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. to discuss the shooting and provide updates on the officers' conditions. Reports said the unnamed suspect fired multiple shots from insid…
Literal Garbage Fire Sends Norwalk Firefighters Rushing To Put It Out Literal Garbage Fire Sends Norwalk Firefighters Rushing To Put It Out
Literal Garbage Fire Sends Norwalk Firefighters Rushing To Put It Out In what could be seen as prophetic irony, a garbage truck caught fire in Fairfield County this week, sending firefighters rushing to the scene, authorities said. The contents of a Waste Management trash truck ignited near the intersection of Woodward and Neptune Avenues at approximately 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, according to Norwalk firefighters. The driver pulled into a parking lot at 145 Woodward Ave., near The Sport Haus and 203 Trading, and dumped the smoldering load to allow firefighters to extinguish it. Smoke and flames erupted from a pile of cardboard and plastic recycling. …