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Hartford County, CT

Drunk Driver Narrowly Misses Trooper Clearing Debris From I-84: Police Drunk Driver Narrowly Misses Trooper Clearing Debris From I-84: Police
Drunk Driver Narrowly Misses Trooper Clearing Debris From I-84: Police A Connecticut State Trooper narrowly avoided tragedy when an alleged drunk driver nearly struck them while they cleared debris from I-84 in Hartford County, authorities said. Jerry Chungong, 24, of New Britain, faces multiple charges, including illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence (second offense), disobeying an officer, and reckless endangerment in the first degree, Connecticut State Police reported. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, on I-84 westbound near Exit 47, as troopers conducted a slow-rolling roadblock to allow safe debris removal from…
Fugitive Caught After Well-Being Check In CT Commuter Lot Fugitive Caught After Well-Being Check In CT Commuter Lot
Fugitive Caught After Well-Being Check In CT Commuter Lot A well-being check at a commuter lot in Connecticut led to the arrest of a woman wanted as a fugitive in Colorado. Troopers patrolling a commuter lot in Tolland County, along Route 44 in Bolton, around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, observed a vehicle with blankets covering the windows and a sunshade on the windshield.  Concerned for the occupant’s well-being, they made contact and spoke with a woman identified as Hartford County resident Cynthia Conant, age 26, of Newington, according to police. Conant, who told troopers she had been parked there since 8 p.m. Saturday, provided her C…
4 Days, 2 DUIs: CT Man Busted (Again) After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police 4 Days, 2 DUIs: CT Man Busted (Again) After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police
4 Days, 2 DUIs: CT Man Busted (Again) After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police A Connecticut man who was arrested over the weekend and charged with DUI was arrested again four days later for driving while intoxicated, police said. It was the third time he’s been taken into custody for allegedly getting behind the wheel while impaired. Anthony Benvenuto, 54, of Enfield in Hartford County, was arrested just after 7 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, and charged with DUI, driving with a suspended Maine license, driving without insurance, and multiple traffic violations, according to Connecticut State Police. A state trooper spotted Benvenuto's truck on Interstate 91 near Exit 33…
Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love' Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love'
Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love' The longest-serving police chief in Connecticut history died last week at his home surrounded by his family, police in Hartford County said.  Former Windsor Police Chief Kevin C. Searles fought a long battle with dementia and died from the disease on Thursday, Nov. 7, his obituary said.  Searles worked for the Plainville Police Department, rising to the rank of detective, before taking the top cop job in Windsor in 1987. He held the position for 28 years.  He stepped down in December 2014 for medical reasons.  His family said he became a police officer because of …
Racist Texts Sent To CT Students, Kids Across Country Promises Return Of Slavery Racist Texts Sent To CT Students, Kids Across Country Promises Return Of Slavery
Racist Texts Sent To CT Students, Kids Across Country Promises Return Of Slavery Students in Connecticut were not spared a racist text message that has been received by children across the country threatening to put Black and Brown men and women into plantation slavery under the Donald Trump administration.  Authorities in Bloomfield in Hartford County posted a statement on Facebook saying the school system condemns "any and all forms of racism, prejudice, or hate within our community." Racist language, behavior, and rhetoric have no place in Bloomfield, and we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community feels safe, valued, and respected. In c…
CT Restaurant, Bowling Alley Announces Immediate Closure CT Restaurant, Bowling Alley Announces Immediate Closure
CT Restaurant, Bowling Alley Announces Immediate Closure After almost a decade, an indoor bowling alley and entertainment center in Connecticut that doubled as a bar and restaurant has announced its closure.  Crystal Bees, located in the Hartford County town of Southington at 240 Spring St., announced its immediate closure on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in a post on social media and its website. In its announcement, the business, which consisted of a bowling alley, arcade, music venue, bistro, and bar, attributed its end to "the current economic landscape," which made it hard for it to "continue as a restaurant and entertainment venue."  "Fro…
Man Peeped On Neighbor As She Bathed With Baby: Police Man Peeped On Neighbor As She Bathed With Baby: Police
Man Peeped On Neighbor As She Bathed With Baby: Police Authorities said a Connecticut woman who was bathing with her 1-year-old child caught her neighbor peeping into her window to watch them.  Joshua Gonsalves, age 34, of Andover in Hartford County, was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing in the third degree, disorderly conduct, and voyeurism, Connecticut State Police said.  The woman told police she was in the tub with her child around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, when she saw a man watching them through a window. She recognized him as her neighbor: Joshua Gonsalves, police said.  Startled, she slapped the window w…
'I Never Intended To Shoot Anyone': Man Turns Himself In Over Road Rage Incident 'I Never Intended To Shoot Anyone': Man Turns Himself In Over Road Rage Incident
'I Never Intended To Shoot Anyone': Man Turns Himself In Over Road Rage Incident A 69-year-old Connecticut man said he didn't plan to shoot anyone after waving his pistol at a driver who had cut him off in traffic, authorities said.  Joaquim Pereira, of Wethersfield of Hartford County, is charged with first-degree threatening with a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment, and second-degree breach of peace in connection with the road rage incident, Connecticut State Police said. Pereira turned himself over to police on an unrelated warrant on Thursday, Oct. 30.  The alleged incident happened on Aug. 10, when a driver said they "accidentally" cut …
How The Internet Tracked Down CT Man's Stolen Car In Hours How The Internet Tracked Down CT Man's Stolen Car In Hours
How The Internet Tracked Down CT Man's Stolen Car In Hours The best true crime series happened in real-time this week on Reddit after a Hartford County man's car was stolen at a gas station, and his best friend decided to do something about it.  Juan Marrero, of New Britain, stopped to get gas around midnight on Monday, Oct. 28, at the Shell Station on the border of Plainville and New Britain. He left the car running as he filled his tank.  As Marrero waited, he noticed a friend a lane over and walked a few feet away to say hi. Within seconds, a black Mercedes pulls up, a man gets out, slips into the driver's seat of M…
$2M Lottery Jackpot: 2 CT Players Split Massive Payday $2M Lottery Jackpot: 2 CT Players Split Massive Payday
$2M Lottery Jackpot: 2 CT Players Split Massive Payday Two Connecticut Lottery players split a $2 million jackpot after buying the ticket in New Haven County.  The players from Wallingford in New Haven County and Wethersfield in Hartford County won the money playing the "$2,000,000 Jackpot," a $20 scratch game. Related: Lottery Hot Streak: $3M In Prizes Won In 4 Days Across CT The players chose to take the lump sum payment of $1.5 million (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  They bought the ticket at Food Land at 250 S. Colony Road in Wallingford. The store will get a $20,000 bonus for the sale. 
'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash
'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash Loved ones of a Connecticut man killed in a crash on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 24, said he was a caring, funny, and loving young man. Peter Bienasz, of Plainville in Hartford County, was riding behind a Toyota Prius on Route 72 near the I-84 on-ramp, when he crashed into the back of the car, causing him to slam into a metal guardrail around 12:14 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, Connecticut State Police said. He was tossed from his bike and died at the scene.  Original Report: Police Detail Crash That Killed 23-Year-Old Motorcyclist Facebook/Peter Bienasz Memorials poured in on social medi…
(UPDATE) Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire (UPDATE) Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire
(Update) Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire Update: Authorities have identified the man killed battling the blaze as a 66-year-old retired Hartford firefighter. Click here for more information on him and the crash.  Original: A Connecticut firefighter was killed in an ATV crash while fighting a brush fire in Hartford County on Tuesday, Oct. 22, authorities said.  The Wethersfield firefighter was riding on a firefighting ATV that crashed around 5:30 p.m. in Berlin, where crews are battling a brush fire that has spread to 90 acres on Lamentation Mountain.  The firefighter, whose name has not been released, was on the s…
2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man 2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man
2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man Connecticut police have identified the man and woman who were killed after their car crashed into a tree and burst into flames earlier this month in Hartford County.  Tiffany Cormier, age 39, and Russell "Russ" Bunn, 59, both of Bristol, were identified as the victims in a single-vehicle crash at 61 Johnnycake Mountain Road in Burlington just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, Connecticut State Police said. Original Report: 2 Killed After Car Careens Off Road Into Tree Police said Cormier was behind the wheel of a Ford Taurus that veered onto the shoulder of the road for an unk…
Sex Offender Nabbed Approaching Women, Fondling Himself; He Was Busted Again A Day Later: Cops Sex Offender Nabbed Approaching Women, Fondling Himself; He Was Busted Again A Day Later: Cops
Sex Offender Nabbed Approaching Women, Fondling Himself; He Was Busted Again A Day Later: Cops A 31-year-old Connecticut registered offender was arrested twice in two days for inappropriately touching himself in public, authorities said. He was already out on bond for prior incidents.  Wojciech Warzynski, 31, of Farmington in Hartford County, was first arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 9, after he reportedly approached two females at the MDC Reservoir while fondling himself inappropriately, authorities said.  Officers had responded to the Farmington reservoir after multiple people called about a man acting suspiciously, officials said.  Warzynski was arrested the next day a…
Tavern To Close Location In CT After 30 Years: Here's When Tavern To Close Location In CT After 30 Years: Here's When
Tavern To Close Location In CT After 30 Years: Here's When An Italian restaurant chain that has been around for three decades has announced when one of its Connecticut locations will close.  First & Last Tavern will serve its last meals at its location in the Hartford County town of Avon at 26 West Main St. (Route 202) on Sunday, Nov. 10, the chain announced on social media. The restaurant did not specify a reason for the closure but thanked those who stopped by over the decades, many of whom celebrated major life events within its walls.  "It's hard to believe 30 years has passed since we first opened our doors. As we reflect on it …
Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In CT Rollover Crash On I-91 Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In CT Rollover Crash On I-91
Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In CT Rollover Crash On I-91 A 22-year-old man who was a star running back for a Connecticut semi-pro football team was killed after crashing his car on I-91 in Hartford County, authorities said.  Davian Andrew Pallotto, of Prospect in New Haven County, died after he rolled his 2007 Cadillac CTS around 11:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, Connecticut State Police said.  Pallotto was driving north on I-91 when he veered across a lane of traffic onto a grassy median, where the car lost control near Exit 23 and began to tumble, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Pallotto played running …
Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child
Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child A 26-year-old Connecticut mother killed last week by a suspected intoxicated driver is being remembered for her sense of humor, her faith, and compassion for her friends and family.  Jada "Jay" Marie Upshaw was killed in a chain-reaction crash on I-91 in Rocky Hill in Hartford County around 8:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, Connecticut Police said.  Original Report: Jada Upshaw Killed In Multi-Car Crash In Rocky Hill Jay leaves behind a young daughter, and, according to a Facebook post she made last month, the Bloomfield native was pregnant with her second child — a baby boy du…
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report The body of a 37-year-old Connecticut woman found inside a Hartford County apartment has been identified as a mother of 2, NBC Connecticut reported.  Lisa Beebe was found on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Parkridge Condominiums at 1320 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. She leaves behind a young son and daughter, her obituary said.  Paramedics were called to her apartment after receiving a report of a medical emergency. Authorities have not said what that was, but police ruled the circumstances "suspicious," officials said at the time. Investigators do not believe there is an ongoin…
Man Takes Rented BMW On 126-MPH Joyride On I-84: Police Man Takes Rented BMW On 126-MPH Joyride On I-84: Police
Man Takes Rented BMW On 126-mph Joyride On I-84: Police A 29-year-old Connecticut man was clocked driving nearly twice the speed limit on I-84 in Hartford County over the weekend in a rented car, authorities said.  Agron Sadiku, of Woodbury in Litchfield County, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment in the second degree and reckless driving in Southington, Connecticut State Police said.  Related: Intoxicated Teen Busted Driving 113 mph In Southington Said He Was Coming From Brazil, Police Say A trooper pulled over Sadiku in a BMW around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, after clocking him driving 126 mph near Exit 32 of …
Woman, 26, Killed In I-91 Crash Caused By Intoxicated Driver: Police Woman, 26, Killed In I-91 Crash Caused By Intoxicated Driver: Police
Woman, 26, Killed In I-91 Crash Caused By Intoxicated Driver: Police Police say an intoxicated Connecticut driver started a three-car, chain-reaction crash on I-91 in Hartford County that killed a 26-year-old woman and sent others to the hospital.  Jada Marie Upshaw, of Bloomfield in Hartford County, was killed around 8:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut State Police said.   The crash happened when a BMW — for seemingly no reason — veered into a neighboring lane and cashed into Upshaw's Nissan near Exit 23 in the southbound lanes, a police report said.  Upshaw's SUV and the BMW tumbled down the highway, and the sedan s…
'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash 'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash
'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash A 1-year-old baby in Connecticut was killed last week in a multi-car pile-up in Hartford County that sent several others to the hospital, authorities said.  Ella Salgado, of Meriden in New Haven County, was killed in the three-car crash on the Berlin Parkway just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, police said.  Several people in one of the vehicles were ejected when their vehicle rolled over. Multiple people in the car Ella was riding in were taken to the hospital for treatment. Police did not release an update on their conditions.  Ella was taken to the hospital, but doct…
Man, 23, Falls To His Death From Parking Deck Man, 23, Falls To His Death From Parking Deck
Man, 23, Falls To His Death From Parking Deck Police are investigating how a 23-year-old Connecticut man fell to his death from a parking deck and died, authorities said.  The man's body was found in New Haven by officers just before 2 a.m. next to a parking structure at 213 Crown Street on Sunday, Sept. 29, police said.  Firefighters were quick to the scene and performed CPR until responders could get him to a hospital.  Paramedics took him to Yale New Haven Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.  New Haven Police have not released the name of the Hartford County man as they notify his family. They sai…
Hiker Finds Missing Man Dead In His Truck Hiker Finds Missing Man Dead In His Truck
Hiker Finds Missing Man Dead In His Truck A 64-year-old Connecticut man who went missing earlier this week was found dead on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  Ronald Lavoie left his Hartford County home in East Windsor around 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, but did not return, his family told police.  A hiker called police on Wednesday morning to report they found a man dead and slumped over in a truck. Police responded to the area around 12:30 p.m. to find Lavoie in his Chevrolet Silverado. Police do not suspect foul play, but the death remains under investigation.  Police did not say exactly where they found Lavoie's body or how …
38-Year-Old Man Killed In I-91 Rollover Wreck After Hitting Truck 38-Year-Old Man Killed In I-91 Rollover Wreck After Hitting Truck
38-Year-Old Man Killed In I-91 Rollover Wreck After Hitting Truck A 38-year-old Connecticut man was killed on Tuesday, Sept. 24, after he lost control of his truck on I-91 and crashed, authorities said.  Hartford County resident James Macpherson, of Manchester, was behind the wheel of a 2002 Ford F-150 near Exit 40 in the southbound lanes when he crashed around 1:15 p.m., Connecticut State Police said.  The driver ahead of Macpherson said he saw the truck in his rearview mirror swerve off the road and into the grass median before abruptly pulling back onto the interstate and crashing into his vehicle, the police report said.  The impact tu…
Greenwich Restaurant Ranks As One Of Best Spots In State To Grab Burger Greenwich Restaurant Ranks As One Of Best Spots In State To Grab Burger
Greenwich Restaurant Ranks As One Of Best Spots In State To Grab Burger It's National Cheeseburger Day. And if you're looking for a great burger to celebrate, here are some of the best-reviewed spots in Connecticut according to Yelp.  Hungry Bull Burger Co. — 381 Farmington Ave. in Plainville View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hungry Bull Burger Co. (@hungrybullburgerco) This Hartford County burger joint boasts a nearly perfect score on Yelp! with a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating. In fact, 80 of the restaurant's 94 reviews gave it a perfect score.  Highlighted review: "Awesome first visit t…
Did You Lose A Giant Snake At CT Landmark? Police Want A Word Did You Lose A Giant Snake At CT Landmark? Police Want A Word
Did You Lose A Giant Snake At CT Landmark? Police Want A Word Police in Connecticut are asking for the public's help to track down the people who left a ball python at a reservoir in Hartford County.  Video from the Nepaug Reservoir off Route 202 in Canton showed several people dumping the snake and running away just before 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, Burlington and Canton Animal Control said in a Facebook post. There are several popular hiking and biking trails near the reservoir.  The snake was listed as "young," but was still much too large for this reporter's liking.  Police took the python into custody and are keeping it…
Pyrotechnician Accused Of Having 'Large Cache' Of Commercial Grade Fireworks In CT Basement Pyrotechnician Accused Of Having 'Large Cache' Of Commercial Grade Fireworks In CT Basement
Pyrotechnician Accused Of Having 'Large Cache' Of Commercial Grade Fireworks In CT Basement A Connecticut man was busted with a large trove of commercial grade fireworks in his basement, police said. Hartford County resident Richard Valuk, age 47, of Berlin, turned himself in to Connecticut State Police on an active arrest warrant Friday, Sept. 6. According to police, troopers with the agency’s Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit responded to Valuk’s residence on Friday, Feb. 2, hours after he was hospitalized for an undisclosed medical issue. While at the scene, investigators discovered a “large cache” of illegal, commercial and consumer grade fireworks that were stored in h…
CT Man Accused Of Attempting To Have Sex With Dog CT Man Accused Of Attempting To Have Sex With Dog
CT Man Accused Of Attempting To Have Sex With Dog A 65-year-old Connecticut man has been charged with allegedly attempting to have sex with a dog who belonged to a woman at a senior living facility. Hartford County resident Jose Ramos-Cordero, of New Britain, was arrested by the Farmington Police Department on Monday, Sept. 9, and charged with sexual assault of an animal, burglary, and disorderly conduct.  According to Lt. Matthew Corcoran of the Farmington Police, earlier in the day, the department received a complaint that video showed a maintenance worker at Brookdale Gables, a senior living facility, inside a tenant…
Man Admits To Embezzling $2M From CT 'Good Guy' Gun Store: Feds Man Admits To Embezzling $2M From CT 'Good Guy' Gun Store: Feds
Man Admits To Embezzling $2M From CT 'Good Guy' Gun Store: Feds A Connecticut man faces more than a decade in prison after he admitted to stealing over $2 million from his former employer, authorities said.  Middlesex County resident Evan Bobzin, age 39, of Chester, pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of stolen money and tax evasion, the US Attorney General for Connecticut said.  Bobzin worked as the head of information technology at Hoffman’s Gun Center in the Hartford County city of Newington. The store also goes by the name Hoffman’s Guns For The Good Guys. The prosecutor said Bobzin stole cash from the 2686 Berlin Turnpike…
Illegal Street Race That Took Over CT Road Ends In Blown Tires, Handcuffs Illegal Street Race That Took Over CT Road Ends In Blown Tires, Handcuffs
Illegal Street Race That Took Over CT Road Ends In Blown Tires, Handcuffs Several drivers who tried to put on an illegal street race in Connecticut found out they weren't fast enough to get away from police and ended up furious when their cars were damaged in the attempt, officials said. Police in Hartford County were called to the Route 571 connector, Polish Legion Highway in Berlin very early Sunday, Sept. 1, Connecticut Police said.  Troopers found several vehicles trying to block off the road to hold an illegal underground street race there. Responders started to break up the revving racers before someone was hurt.  But some drivers refused to list…
Wanted Arsonist Found Walking In CT: Police Wanted Arsonist Found Walking In CT: Police
Wanted Arsonist Found Walking In CT: Police A man wanted for starting a fire on the West Coast was found walking along a Connecticut highway on Tuesday, Aug. 27, authorities said.  Robert Parmalee, age 40, of Ritzville, Washington, was arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant and is expected to be extradited to Oregon, where he is wanted on an arson charge, Connecticut State Police said.  Police stopped Parmalee in Hartford County just after 11 a.m. walking alongside Route 20 in Windsor Locks. Officers said they spoke with him out of safety concerns considering where he was walking.  A judge ordered him h…