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Meriden, CT

CT Man Who Traded Sexts With 'Teen' For Weeks Sentenced To Prison CT Man Who Traded Sexts With 'Teen' For Weeks Sentenced To Prison
CT Man Who Traded Sexts With 'Teen' For Weeks Sentenced To Prison A 45-year-old Connecticut man who believed he was texting a 15-year-old to meet up for sex but was speaking with an undercover agent was sentenced to 16 months in prison, state authorities said.  Christopher Smith, 45, of Middletown, who pleaded guilty to one count of criminal attempt to entice a minor by computer in October learned his fate last week, the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice said. He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years once he's released.  Smith traded multiple sexual messages for weeks in an attempt to meet up for sex with a teenager in a Merid…
Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police
Ex-Educator Sent 'Inappropriate' Texts To CT Middle School Student: Police A former Connecticut middle school employee faces a felony charge after police say she exchanged inappropriate text messages with a student, authorities said.  Tamara Johnson, 37, turned herself over to the Meriden Police Department on Thursday, Nov. 21, following an investigation that began in late October. The police's Special Crimes Unit launched the probe after receiving a report about the alleged messages. Johnson, a former climate specialist at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden, was arrested after police conducted multiple interviews and forensic analysis of cell phones, Meri…
Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of CT Car Dealership, Feds Say Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of CT Car Dealership, Feds Say
Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of CT Car Dealership, Feds Say A federal investigation dismantled a drug trafficking operation allegedly run out of a Connecticut car dealership, leading to the arrest of 13 people on narcotics distribution charges, authorities said.  Investigators seized more than 10 pounds of cocaine, over 200 grams of fentanyl, 30 grams of heroin, seven firearms, $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles during searches of the Supreme Automotive dealership in New Britain and locations linked to those arrested, said the United States District Attorney for Connecticut.  The investigation, led by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Tas…
CT Man, 56, Killed in I-91 Crash After Rear-Ending Trailer: Police CT Man, 56, Killed in I-91 Crash After Rear-Ending Trailer: Police
CT Man, 56, Killed in I-91 Crash After Rear-Ending Trailer: Police A 56-year-old Connecticut man was killed in a crash on I-91 in New Haven County, authorities said.  William Risley, of Watertown, died on Monday, Nov. 11, after he crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer truck on the interstate around 2 p.m., Connecticut State Police said.  According to the police report, Risley and the other vehicle were both in the center lane and had just passed exit 15 in Wallingford when the crash happened.  Paramedics rushed Risley to Midstate Hospital in Meriden, where he later died of his injuries.  The other driver, a 53-year-old man from S…
Top 5 Connecticut Hospitals Named in 2025 Best-In-State Rankings Top 5 Connecticut Hospitals Named in 2025 Best-In-State Rankings
Top 5 Connecticut Hospitals Named in 2025 Best-In-State Rankings Connecticut's top hospitals for 2025 have been named, showcasing the best facilities in the state according to a new ranking. Released by Statista, the list ranks hospitals based on patient care, reputation, and quality indicators. Yale New Haven Hospital took the top spot on the list. The New Haven hospital was touted for its comprehensive medical services and advanced research facilities. John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington ranked second and claimed the Patient Experience Award for its dedication to providing ranking highest in those metrics.  Midstate Medical Center in Meriden fini…
Popular Italian Restaurant Prepares To Close: 'We Have Loved Serving You' Popular Italian Restaurant Prepares To Close: 'We Have Loved Serving You'
Popular Italian Restaurant Prepares To Close: 'We Have Loved Serving You' The time has come.  Avanti Restaurant, a popular Italian Restaurant at 34 River Road in Meriden, will close its doors for good after service on Thursday, Oct. 31, after 17 years in business. The owners — brothers Dominic and Joe Futia — announced their decision last month because they wanted to give customers time to use their gift cards or order their favorite item on the menu before it's too late.  It is with great sadness we announce that we will be closing our doors on October 31st 2024 due to the sale of the... Posted by Avanti Restaurant on Tuesday, September 3…
Asst. Fire Chief Killed Crossing Street; 2nd Firefighter's Death In 7 Days Asst. Fire Chief Killed Crossing Street; 2nd Firefighter's Death In 7 Days
Asst. Fire Chief Killed Crossing Street; 2nd Firefighter's Death In 7 Days Fewer than eight hours after the Connecticut firefighting community buried Robert Sharkevich Sr., another senior firefighter was killed in Fairfield County, officials said.  Peter Blomberg, age 72, was crossing Route 6 near Dayton Street in Newtown when a truck crashed into him around 6:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, authorities said.  Blomberg served as the assistant fire chief of the Botsford Fire Department and was walking to a fire commission meeting In Newtown when he was hit, police said. Paramedics rushed him to Danbury Hospital, but doctors could not save Blomberg's life.&nbs…
Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Cannot Express The Magnitude Of This Loss' Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Cannot Express The Magnitude Of This Loss'
Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash ID'd: 'Words Cannot Express The Magnitude Of This Loss' A Connecticut firefighter who was killed when the ATV he was on rolled over while battling a blaze has been identified as a grandfather and former member of the Hartford Fire Department.  Robert "Sharky" Sharkevich Sr., age 66, was working as a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday, Oct. 22, fighting a brush fire that had spread to more than 90 acres on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin, Meriden Police said.  Sharkevich and three other firefighters were in Meriden on the southern edge of the blaze, riding a firefighting ATV that flipped around 5:30 p.m.…
Drug Dealer Admits To Role In 27-Year-Old Woman's Overdose Death: Feds Drug Dealer Admits To Role In 27-Year-Old Woman's Overdose Death: Feds
Drug Dealer Admits To Role In 27-Year-Old Woman's Overdose Death: Feds A 40-year-old Connecticut man admitted in court this week that he supplied a 27-year-old woman with some of the drugs that led to her overdose death, authorities said.  Jimmy Lassus, of Wethersfield in Hartford County, pleaded guilty on Monday, Sept. 30, to the distribution of fentanyl and oxycodone, the US Attorney for Connecticut said. He faces up to 20 years in prison.  Investigators said Lassus sold oxycodone and fentanyl to a 27-year-old Meriden woman who died of an overdose in her bed on Oct. 6, 2023. The two exchanged multiple texts about drugs leading up to …
'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…
Ex-Police Dispatcher Busted After Misusing System To Look Up Victim: Police Ex-Police Dispatcher Busted After Misusing System To Look Up Victim: Police
Ex-Police Dispatcher Busted After Misusing System To Look Up Victim: Police A former police emergency dispatcher found himself on the other side of the law when he was arrested for misusing equipment to look up information on a victim more than once, authorities say.  Jonathan Miller, age 26, was charged with two counts of third-degree computer crimes and released on an order to appear, Meriden Police said. Miller worked for the Meriden dispatch center from July 2023 until July 2024 when he was fired for a separate matter. Shortly after his dismissal, investigators learned he had told a friend that he'd used the system to look up information on an acquain…
'Vision Of Excellence': 3 CT Schools Earn Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award 'Vision Of Excellence': 3 CT Schools Earn Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award
'Vision Of Excellence': 3 CT Schools Earn Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award A Connecticut high school and two elementary schools have been named some of the nation's most dedicated.  The US Department of Education released its 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools this week, with 356 earning the prestigious distinction. The annual awards recognize high-performing public and non-public schools and those making strides in closing achievement gaps among the student body.  In Connecticut, the three deemed to have reached those goals are: Daniel Hand High School in Madison Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden Sunnyside Elementary School in Shelton Dan…
'Beautiful Soul': Family Of Slain CT DOT Worker Grieves As Driver Faces More Charges 'Beautiful Soul': Family Of Slain CT DOT Worker Grieves As Driver Faces More Charges
'Beautiful Soul': Family Of Slain CT DOT Worker Grieves As Driver Faces More Charges A 55-year-old Connecticut woman accused of crashing into a state Department of Transportation worker while intoxicated now faces more charges linked to the fatal crash this summer, authorities announced on Monday, Sept. 16.  New Haven County resident Denise Lucibello, of East Haven, is now charged with second-degree manslaughter, the New Haven Judicial District State's Attorney Office said. She was already accused of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, and several traffic infractions.  Andrew DiDomenico, 26, of Meriden, was working on the Wharton Broo…
Stranger Beats, Strangles Woman At CT Train Station In Unprovoked Attack: Police Stranger Beats, Strangles Woman At CT Train Station In Unprovoked Attack: Police
Stranger Beats, Strangles Woman At CT Train Station In Unprovoked Attack: Police A woman waiting on a train at a Connecticut train station earlier this week said a man she did not know grabbed her from behind, slammed her to the ground, and choked her unconscious without warning or provocation, authorities said.  The alleged New Haven County attack happened on Wednesday, Sept. 11, around 8:15 p.m. at the Meriden Train Station, Connecticut State Police said.  The woman said she did not recognize the man, but shortly after noticing him, he approached and pounced on her. The last thing she remembered was losing consciousness as she couldn't lift herself from bene…
Threat Leads To Increased Police Presence At CT Middle School Threat Leads To Increased Police Presence At CT Middle School
Threat Leads To Increased Police Presence At CT Middle School Police will have a more significant police presence at a Connecticut middle school after they were made aware of a Snapchat post making threats against its students. The incident occurred in New Haven County on Sunday, Sept. 8, in Meriden at Thomas Edison Middle School. According to Meriden Police Sgt. Michael Boothroyd, the department was made aware of the threat circulated via social media, which threatened Edison Middle School students. "The Meriden police department, with the assistance of Meriden School personnel, is actively investigating this incident," Boothroyd said. "We are …
Person Found Dead After House Fire Breaks Out In Quiet CT Neighborhood Person Found Dead After House Fire Breaks Out In Quiet CT Neighborhood
Person Found Dead After House Fire Breaks Out In Quiet CT Neighborhood One person was killed, and another escaped, along with a dog, during a fire at a single-family home in a quiet Connecticut neighborhood. New Update - Fatal Middlefield House Fire: Elementary School Student ID'd As Victim The incident occurred in Middlesex County around 1 a.m., Friday, Sept. 6, on Dwight Drive in Middlefield. According to Middlefield Fire Chief Peter Tyc, the first arriving crews encountered heavy fire. The entire front of the home was engulfed in flames, and one person was reported inside the house. Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack and search for th…
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…
Convicted CT Felon Nabbed In Shooting 5 Years Later, Police Say Convicted CT Felon Nabbed In Shooting 5 Years Later, Police Say
Convicted CT Felon Nabbed In Shooting 5 Years Later, Police Say A Connecticut convicted felon was charged with a shooting that missed its target but did hit the car he was riding in. The incident occurred in New Haven County on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, in the area of 120 Gravel St., in Meriden. According to Sgt. Michael Boothroyd of the Meriden Police officers responded to a report of shots fired and located a crime scene and determined that an occupied vehicle had been struck by gunfire. The sole occupant of the vehicle was not injured in the shooting, Boothroyd said. Boothroyd said an investigation found the shooter and victim were known to each other.…
36-Year-Old Killed In 2-Vehicle CT Crash 36-Year-Old Killed In 2-Vehicle CT Crash
36-Year-Old Killed In 2-Vehicle CT Crash A 36-year-old Connecticut man was killed during a two-vehicle crash. The collision occurred in New Haven County around 3:40 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, at East Main Street and Paddock Avenue in Meriden. According to Sgt. Michael Boothroyd of the Meriden Police, Juan Cruz of Meriden, who was driving an orange HondaCBR600 motorcycle, was found lying on the roadway when officers responded to the scene. Meriden Fire Department and Hunter’s Ambulance personnel began life-saving measures.  They transported Cruz to the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, where he di…
Electric Biker Hit By Drunk Driver In CT Still In Critical Condition, Police Say Electric Biker Hit By Drunk Driver In CT Still In Critical Condition, Police Say
Electric Biker Hit By Drunk Driver In CT Still In Critical Condition, Police Say A man who allegedly hit an electric bike rider on his way home from work at Walmart has been charged with alleged DWI and assault.  The incident occurred in New Haven County on Wednesday, July 17, on Cook Avenue in Meriden. According to Sgt. Stanley Zajac of the Meriden Police, the bicyclists were riding north in the northbound lane of Cook Avenue, which is marked as a shared bicycle lane. A 2017 Dodge RAM driven by Todd Wheeler, age unknown, of Meriden, was traveling north on Cook Avenue, struck the bicycle in the rear, throwing the victim into the roadway, Zajac said. Zaj…
Woman Nabbed As Suspect In Murder Near CT Amtrak Station Woman Nabbed As Suspect In Murder Near CT Amtrak Station
Woman Nabbed As Suspect In Murder Near CT Amtrak Station A 32-year-old Connecticut woman has been charged in connection with the murder of another woman near an Amtrak train station. Related: ID Released For Woman Shot, Killed Near Amtrak Station In Meriden As 2 Suspects Remain At Large The shooting of New Haven County resident Beth Ndwiga of Meriden occurred around 10 p.m., Monday, July 22,  near the Meriden Green. According to an incident report obtained by Fox61 News, 32-year-old Maryiah Farrar of Meriden was charged with assault and conspiracy to commit assault on Tuesday, July 23. Meriden Police have not provided informati…
ID Released For Woman Shot, Killed Near CT Amtrak Station As 2 Suspects Remain At Large ID Released For Woman Shot, Killed Near CT Amtrak Station As 2 Suspects Remain At Large
ID Released For Woman Shot, Killed Near CT Amtrak Station As 2 Suspects Remain At Large As a search continues for two suspects in the shooting death of a Connecticut woman, police have released her identity. Related: Woman Fatally Shot Near Meriden Amtrak Station The incident occurred in New Haven County on Monday, July 22, near the Amtrak station in Meriden. Lt. Darrin McKay of the Meriden Police said the victim has been identified as 28-year-old Beth Ndwiga of Meriden. "First off, we here at the Meriden Police Department wish to express our sincerest condolences to the victim’s family," McKay said. "This type of senseless violence happens way too often in commu…
Woman Fatally Shot Near CT Amtrak Station Woman Fatally Shot Near CT Amtrak Station
Woman Fatally Shot Near CT Amtrak Station An investigation is underway after a woman was shot and killed during a dispute near a Connecticut Amtrak station. The incident occurred in New Haven County around 10:10 p.m. on Monday, July 22, in the area of 161 State St., in Meriden. According to Lt. Darrin McKay of the Meriden Police, officers responded to a report of shots fired and quickly located an unidentified woman who had been shot. Medical personnel responded; however, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, McKay said. "An initial investigation has determined that the persons who were disputing, including the fe…
Notorious CT After-Hours Club Raided, Nets 3 Arrests, More To Come, Police Say Notorious CT After-Hours Club Raided, Nets 3 Arrests, More To Come, Police Say
Notorious CT After-Hours Club Raided, Nets 3 Arrests, More To Come, Police Say After several years of responding to assaults, shootings, stabbings, and a murder at a Connecticut address, police raided the residence and made several arrests. The incident occurred in New Haven County on Saturday, July 13, at 190 Grove St., in Meriden. According to Lt. Darrin McKay of the Meriden Police, the purpose of the search was to recover evidence from a recent assault that occurred at the property. McKay said many of the problems have arisen due to an after-hours event on the second floor of the building. He added that the operation on July 13 occurred at 2:45 a.m. and was a col…
CT Man Nabbed Breaking Into Shop After Chase CT Man Nabbed Breaking Into Shop After Chase
CT Man Nabbed Breaking Into Shop After Chase A Connecticut man is behind bars after allegedly being caught inside burglarizing a smoke shop. The incident occurred in New Haven County around 10 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, at the LVL Up Smoke Shop in Meriden. According to Lt. Darrin McKay of the Meriden Police, a patrol officer responded to the store after receiving a burglar alarm notice. When he arrived, the officer determined a man was inside the business, which was closed. As he waited outside for backup, the man, later identified as New London County resident Williams Maaseiyh, age 28, of Norwich, came out the front door, saw th…
CT Man Carrying A Crossbow, Beer On Street Nabbed By Police CT Man Carrying A Crossbow, Beer On Street Nabbed By Police
CT Man Carrying A Crossbow, Beer On Street Nabbed By Police A Connecticut man walking on a city street with a crossbow and a beer was nabbed by patrol officers after receiving numerous 911 calls of a man carrying a rifle.  The incident occurred in New Haven County on Wednesday, June 12, around 5 p.m. on Main Street in Meriden. According to Sgt. Michael Boothroyd of the Meriden Police, the callers said the man was wearing a backpack and a bulletproof vest, had a rifle slung over his shoulder, and was carrying a beer.  The man told people in the parking lot that they should “kill themselves” and that he “was waiting for the police…
Fundraiser Aims To Cover Funeral Expenses For CT Man Who Drowned Saving Teen Fundraiser Aims To Cover Funeral Expenses For CT Man Who Drowned Saving Teen
Fundraiser Aims To Cover Funeral Expenses For CT Man Who Drowned Saving Teen Friends of a 27-year-old Connecticut man who drowned while saving the life of his girlfriend's son are raising funds to help the family pay for a funeral. Related: 27-Year-Old Drowns In Litchfield County's Bantam Lake New Haven County resident Kyree Dowd of Meriden died on Saturday, June 8, in Litchfield County at the Point Folly Campground in Bantam. According to his Godmother, Tracey Dickerson, Dowd, who was known to be a strong swimmer, he jumped into the water when his girlfriend's 16-year-old son began yelling for help after being caught in a current. The teen was saved, but D…
27-Year-Old Drowning Victim Pulled From CT Lake 27-Year-Old Drowning Victim Pulled From CT Lake
27-Year-Old Drowning Victim Pulled From CT Lake A 27-year-old man drowned while swimming in a Connecticut lake at a campground. Related: Fundraiser: Meriden Man Drowns Saving Teen Caught In Current The incident occurred in Litchfield County at the Point Folly Campground in Bantam around 12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 8. According to Will Healey, spokesman for the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, DEEP Conservation Police (EnCon) responded to a report of distressed swimmers at Bantam Lake.  A 16-year-old boy and a 27-year-old man, identified as New Haven County resident Kyree Dowd of Meriden, were involv…
Movie 'Summerhouse' Filming In Danbury Hiring Actors, Extras Movie 'Summerhouse' Filming In Danbury Hiring Actors, Extras
Movie 'Summerhouse' Filming In Danbury Hiring Actors, Extras A Vietnam-era movie filming in Fairfield County is looking for local actors and extras for over a dozen openings.  "Summerhouse" tells the story of a freshly graduated Ned Stern (portrayed by "Somewhere in Queens" actor Jacob Ward) as he waits to get drafted into the Vietnam War.  Stern spends his last summer of freedom caring for a belligerent, wealthy alcoholic man (played by actor Malcolm McDowell) at his lakeside mansion, only to find himself falling in love with a girl while questioning his commitment to his country, according to IMBD. Parts of the movie will …
CT Woman Throws Powdery Substance At Mall Employee, Police Say CT Woman Throws Powdery Substance At Mall Employee, Police Say
CT Woman Throws Powdery Substance At Mall Employee, Police Say A woman has been arrested after police claim she was behind an attack on a Connecticut mall employee. The New Haven County incident happened on Thursday, May 16 in Meriden. Cindy Luzunaris, age 42, walked into Windsor, a women’s clothing store at the Meridan Mall, located at 470 Lewis Ave., just before 12:45 p.m., authorities said.  The Meridan resident then reportedly threw a powdery substance into an employee’s face and left.  The employee reported that her eyes were irritated and that it felt as if her throat were closing up.  She was transported to a local hospital f…
Northern Westchester CVS Incident Involving Woman Leads To Chase, 3 Arrests Northern Westchester CVS Incident Involving Woman Leads To Chase, 3 Arrests
Northern Westchester CVS Incident Involving Woman Leads To Chase, 3 Arrests Three Connecticut men were apprehended after an incident involving a woman in a CVS parking lot in New York led to a police chase and separate crashes. The chain of events began around 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 in Northern Westchester County. The North Castle Police Department received a call from a person reporting a concerning incident that had just occurred in the CVS parking lot at 450 Main St. in Armonk, according to Lt. Thomas McCormack. The caller reported that an unfamiliar vehicle pulled up next to her while sitting in her car in the parking lot.  The man then exited his…