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Meriden, CT

Ex-CT Teacher Accused Of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Student: Police Ex-CT Teacher Accused Of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Student: Police
Ex-CT Teacher Accused Of Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Student: Police A former Connecticut high school teacher has been accused of sexually assaulting a former student, authorities said. Ciara Picard, 39, was arrested and charged with five counts of sexual assault involving a former student of Maloney High School in Meriden, police announced on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Meriden police did not provide many details about the alleged abuse, but investigators said it happened "years ago" while Picard was still a teacher at the school. She resigned in August 2025, according to police. An email to Meriden police for more information was not immediately returned. The stude…
CT Man Stabbed Girlfriend, Drove Into Her During Parking Lot Attack: Police CT Man Stabbed Girlfriend, Drove Into Her During Parking Lot Attack: Police
CT Man Stabbed Girlfriend, Drove Into Her During Parking Lot Attack: Police A Connecticut man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he stabbed his girlfriend and drove into her with a car during a violent attack outside a Meriden apartment tower. Shawn Samuel, 41, of Meriden, is accused of the May 31 attack that police say happened in the rear parking lot of the North Tower at 55 Willow Street. When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from “serious stab wounds.”  She was rushed to Hartford Hospital for trauma care, Meriden Police said. Samuel and the woman were in a relationship.  Surveillance video captured the incident. The…
Authorities ID Inmate Who Died Following Medical Emergency At CT Prison Authorities ID Inmate Who Died Following Medical Emergency At CT Prison
Authorities ID Inmate Who Died Following Medical Emergency At CT Prison Officials have identified an inmate who died after a medical emergency inside his cell at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield. Lehman Blackmon, 48, suffered the medical event Wednesday, Aug. 20, and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, corrections officials said Thursday. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine Blackmon’s cause of death. Blackmon had a lengthy criminal history and was serving two sentences at the time of his death: a 14-month sentence for conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny i…
Walgreens To Close 3 More Pharmacies After Shuttering 8 Earlier This Year Walgreens To Close 3 More Pharmacies After Shuttering 8 Earlier This Year
Walgreens To Close 3 More Pharmacies After Shuttering 8 Earlier This Year Walgreens is not finished with its round of Connecticut closings. The company announced this week that it would close three more stores in the Nutmeg state, as the pharmacy giant reduces its nationwide footprint.  A company spokesperson said Walgreens would close stores in Hamden, Meriden, and Torrington in the coming weeks.  The company has already shut down eight locations across Connecticut this year, including East Hartford, East Haven, New Britain, and New Milford. The schedule for the next round of closures is:  The Walgreens at 1191 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden wi…
Vandals Damage, Destroy Nearly 100 Headstones At Historic CT Cemetery Vandals Damage, Destroy Nearly 100 Headstones At Historic CT Cemetery
Vandals Damage, Destroy Nearly 100 Headstones At Historic CT Cemetery Nearly 100 headstones and monuments at St. Patrick’s Cemetery were toppled, cracked, and gouged in a sweeping act of vandalism that police believe involved more than one suspect. Meriden police said they were called Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, to the cemetery at 94 Wall Street after several residents reported “significant vandalism and damage” to graves. A responding officer joined the property maintenance company to walk the grounds, where they found a trail of destruction. Some of the damaged headstones dated back to the 1800s and were “cracked in half and look to be unrepairable.” Others w…
Armed, Masked CT Man Threatens Courthouse Marshals, Sparks Chase: Police Armed, Masked CT Man Threatens Courthouse Marshals, Sparks Chase: Police
Armed, Masked CT Man Threatens Courthouse Marshals, Sparks Chase: Police A Connecticut man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he threatened marshals at a Waterbury courthouse while carrying a pistol with live ammunition, police said.  Jose Torrez, 30, of Meriden, was arrested Wednesday morning, Aug. 6, after a chaotic chain of events at the Connecticut Superior Court on Grand Street in Waterbury, Connecticut State Police said. He had reportedly set off the metal detector at the courthouse entrance and refused to comply when Marshals asked him to empty his pockets.  Instead, officials say, he became aggressive and verbally threatened them.…
Three CT Classics Celebrated Among Best Summer Dishes In US: See The Rankings Three CT Classics Celebrated Among Best Summer Dishes In US: See The Rankings
Three CT Classics Celebrated Among Best Summer Dishes In US: See The Rankings Some of the most popular summer foods in the US come straight from the Northeast, according to a new survey. Mixbook has ranked the 100 most beloved summer dishes. The photo book website polled 3,003 self-described foodies. For grillmasters, New York's grilled strip steak and garlic scapes were ranked No. 3. "New York's agricultural regions produce top-tier beef, and summer grilling often centers around the strip steak — especially in the Hudson Valley," Mixbook said. "Paired with seasonal garlic scapes or grilled ramps, this dish reflects the state’s balance of urban sophisticat…
CT Mom Charged With Killing Her Baby Boy In Drunken I-91 Crash: Police CT Mom Charged With Killing Her Baby Boy In Drunken I-91 Crash: Police
CT Mom Charged With Killing Her Baby Boy In Drunken I-91 Crash: Police Just days before his first birthday, 11-month-old Isiah Ortiz was killed in an overnight crash on I-91 in Enfield. Now, his mother is facing serious charges, including manslaughter, authorities said.  Fransheska Stuart, 30, of Meriden, was arrested on Tuesday, July 15. Nearly 18 months after she crashed her 2006 Honda Accord just before 2 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2023, near Exit 45 southbound when she lost control, hit a guardrail, and the car flipped onto its side, Connecticut State Police said.  When emergency crews arrived, the metal of the car was compressing Stuart’s c…
ICE Arrests In CT Spark Outrage: Teen Grabbed Before Graduation, Mom Taken in Front Of Her Kids ICE Arrests In CT Spark Outrage: Teen Grabbed Before Graduation, Mom Taken in Front Of Her Kids
ICE Arrests In CT Spark Outrage: Teen Grabbed Before Graduation, Mom Taken in Front Of Her Kids Two Connecticut cities are demanding answers and denouncing the administration of President Donald Trump after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested a mother in front of her children and a high school student weeks before his graduation. The first incident occurred in Meriden, where ICE agents detained 16-year-old Kevin Rosero Moreno, an honor roll senior at Maloney High School, last week. The Meriden Public Schools district said it was not informed of the arrest in advance. ICE has not disclosed details surrounding Moreno’s detention, but a GoFundMe campaign set up…
These Towns Got The Most Snow In CT: Winter Storm Brings 6 Inches Across The State These Towns Got The Most Snow In CT: Winter Storm Brings 6 Inches Across The State
These Towns Got The Most Snow In CT: Winter Storm Brings 6 Inches Across The State Connecticut towns experienced significant snowfall from the storm that swept through the region on Jan. 19 and 20.  Towns in Hartford County recorded some of the highest totals in the state, with North Canton and Glastonbury Center each receiving 6 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Other counties, including Fairfield and Tolland, also saw substantial snow, with several towns reporting over 5 inches. Alongside North Canton and Glastonbury Center's 6-inch totals, towns such as Bristol and Bradley Airport reported over 5 inches of snow. Simsbury, East Hartford, and South …
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Windham County How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Windham County
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Windham County A quick-moving Nor'easter brought accumulating snowfall throughout the region Sunday night, Jan. 19 into Monday morning, Jan 20. Here's a rundown of totals from the National Weather Service. New York Nassau County 2 ENE Roosevelt 4.1 inches 1018 PM 01/19 Public Syosset 4.0 inches 1000 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter East Williston 3.9 inches 1015 PM 01/19 Public 1 W Plainview 3.9 inches 1250 AM 01/20 Public 1 ESE East Meadow 3.8 inches 1117 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter 1 ENE Glen Cove 3.8 inches 0817 AM 01/20 Public  Sea Cliff 3.6 inches 1042 PM 01/19 Public Plainview 3.2 inches 081…
Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In CT Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: State Police Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In CT Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: State Police
Suspended, Drunk Driver Breaking Into Cars In CT Commuter Lot Resists Arrest: State Police An intoxicated driver operating a vehicle on a suspended license was arrested over the weekend after a witness reported an attempted vehicle break-in at a commuter lot, Connecticut State Police said. At approximately 12:28 p.m., the Harwinton Resident Trooper was conducting motor vehicle enforcement near the Exit 46 (formerly Exit 42) commuter lot when they were flagged down by a witness on Sunday, Jan. 5, state police said. The witness reported seeing a man, later identified as Lawrence Patterson, 71, of Meriden, trying to force entry into a red Jeep Wrangler parked in the lot. The trooper…
CT Man Sexually Assaulted 6-Year-Old Child Repeatedly For Years: Police CT Man Sexually Assaulted 6-Year-Old Child Repeatedly For Years: Police
CT Man Sexually Assaulted 6-Year-Old Child Repeatedly For Years: Police A Meriden man is facing multiple felony charges following a months-long investigation into disturbing allegations of child sexual assault and abuse. Adaliz Rojas, 32, was arrested on Dec. 14, in New Haven after investigators with the Special Crimes Unit (SCU) obtained a warrant accusing him of years of abuse involving a 6-year-old child, Meriden police said.  The SCU began its investigation in July 2024 after receiving a complaint detailing repeated instances of sexual assault and physical abuse, allegedly occurring over several years in both Meriden and New Haven, authorities said.&nb…
Intoxicated CT Driver Crashes Into Semi On I-91: Police Intoxicated CT Driver Crashes Into Semi On I-91: Police
Intoxicated CT Driver Crashes Into Semi On I-91: Police A 29-year-old Connecticut driver was arrested earlier this week after he allegedly crashed into a tractor-trailer on I-95 while intoxicated, authorities said. Christopher Oblon, of Meriden, was driving south on I-91 just before midnight on Monday, Dec. 23, near Exit 23 when he crashed into the truck, Connecticut State Police said. Few details are available at this point, as police have not completed the crash report. However, investigators said Oblon was under the influence when he hit the truck.  No one was injured in the crash.  Police shut down the southbound lanes at Exit 23…
Convicted Felon Accused Of Killing CT Woman Who 'Enjoyed Helping Others' Convicted Felon Accused Of Killing CT Woman Who 'Enjoyed Helping Others'
Convicted Felon Accused Of Killing CT Woman Who 'Enjoyed Helping Others' A convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old woman remembered for her caring nature and bright future, according to Meriden police. Trevor Smith, 42, was arrested Friday and faces charges of criminal possession of a firearm and criminal use of a gun, police said. He is also wanted on an unrelated warrant out of New Haven, though authorities did not provide details about that case. Smith is accused of fatally shooting Beth Ndwiga, a 28-year-old healthcare office worker, on July 22 at the Meriden Green. After months of investig…
Father Of 2 Found Dead In CT Popeyes Parking Lot Had 'Adventurous Spirit,' Loved Ones Say Father Of 2 Found Dead In CT Popeyes Parking Lot Had 'Adventurous Spirit,' Loved Ones Say
Father Of 2 Found Dead In CT Popeyes Parking Lot Had 'Adventurous Spirit,' Loved Ones Say A father of two who was found dead in a fast-food parking lot earlier this month is being remembered for his love of family and adventure. Stephen Morin died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 9. He would have turned 39 four days later. A Meriden native, Morin spent most of his life in Wallingford, his family said in his obituary. He worked at All-Pro HVAC of Beacon Falls, but he pursued many hobbies, they wrote. Stephen was a passionate and active man who found joy in the things he loved. He was deeply involved in jujitsu, earning belts and proudly teaching his son, John. As a child, he was an …
Snow, Wintry Mix Delays CT School Openings: Here's Where Snow, Wintry Mix Delays CT School Openings: Here's Where
Snow, Wintry Mix Delays CT School Openings: Here's Where Dozens of schools across Connecticut had delayed openings due to a wintry mix that fell into Monday morning, Dec. 16. Some parts of the state saw 4 inches of snow, while others got a light dusting. According to the National Weather Service, the highest amount of snow fell in New Milford (4 inches); Cornwall saw 2.5 inches; Litchfield saw two inches, Waterbury saw 3 inches; Meriden saw 2 inches, and Hartford saw 1.3 inches. According to NBC Connecticut, the following districts had delayed openings: Berlin Public Schools Bethel Public Schools Brooklyn Public Schools Canton Public Schools E…
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.…
'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 …