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Southington, CT

CT Teen Arrested By ICE Freed After 44 Days In Federal Custody CT Teen Arrested By ICE Freed After 44 Days In Federal Custody
CT Teen Arrested By ICE Freed After 44 Days In Federal Custody A New Haven teenager taken into custody by federal immigration officials has been released after spending more than six weeks in federal detention. Esdras R., an 18-year-old immigrant from Central America and a rising junior at Wilbur Cross High School, was freed Tuesday, Sept. 2, after posting a $1,500 bond, according to the advocacy group CT Students for a Dream.  He had been held for 44 days in multiple detention facilities across three states. Original: 'Unconscionable': New Haven High School Student Detained By ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Esdras…
Hundreds Rally To Help CT Family After Deadly House Fire: 'They Lost Everything' Hundreds Rally To Help CT Family After Deadly House Fire: 'They Lost Everything'
Hundreds Rally To Help CT Family After Deadly House Fire: 'They Lost Everything' A devastating fire that destroyed a Connecticut home and claimed the life of a heroic firefighter has ignited an outpouring of support as the family attempts to rebuild.  Valerie Cancellieri was lying in bed on the morning of Sunday, July 27, at her childhood home at 45 Maria Road in Plainville when she heard a noise. She got up to investigate and was met by a wall of flames, according to a GoFundMe page. She rushed to wake her mother, Cathy, whom she cares for, and called 911 as they ran outside. The home, where the family had lived for more than 30 years, was engulfed in flames. …
Community Rallies For CT Trainer Who Died During MrBeast Challenge: ‘He Was Pure Love' Community Rallies For CT Trainer Who Died During MrBeast Challenge: ‘He Was Pure Love'
Community Rallies For CT Trainer Who Died During MrBeast Challenge: ‘He Was Pure Love' A Connecticut native and physical trainer who became a central figure in an inspirational video for the popular YouTuber MrBeast is being remembered for his drive, his heart, and his sense of fun. Now the community is paying back that love to his family.  Tyler Wall, a 38-year-old physical trainer originally from Southington, became a central figure in a high-profile MrBeast video where a participant was challenged to lose 100 pounds in a year to win $250,000. Wall worked closely with Madj, a friend of the YouTube star, who was sequestered in a facility filled with gym equipment and he…
CT Students Charged After Setting School Laptops On Fire In Dangerous TikTok Trend CT Students Charged After Setting School Laptops On Fire In Dangerous TikTok Trend
CT Students Charged After Setting School Laptops On Fire In Dangerous TikTok Trend Two Connecticut high school students have been arrested and charged after police said they triggered an evacuation last week by causing their school-issued laptops to produce toxic smoke as part of a viral social media trend, according to reports. Southington High School was evacuated on Wednesday, May 7, after two teens reportedly inserted metal objects into the laptops’ ports, causing the electrical components inside to spark and catch fire, Southington police said. The dangerous trend is known as the "Chromebook Challenge." Multiple schools in Connecticut have been evacuated or disrupted…
Noodles & Company Planning To Close About 20 Restaurants Noodles & Company Planning To Close About 20 Restaurants
Noodles & Company Planning To Close About 20 Restaurants A popular restaurant chain specializing in noodle-based dishes could close more than 20 locations. Noodles & Company plans to shut down as many as 21 restaurants in 2025, the fast-casual chain said in its first-quarter financial report on Wednesday, May 7. There are 13 to 17 company-owned restaurants expected to be shuttered, along with four franchised locations. The chain hasn't said which locations could close. The closings come as Noodles & Company reported a 4.4% increase in sales during the first three months of 2025. The chain rolled out a new menu in March, fe…
CT-Based Pet, Garden Retail Chain Closing After 40 Years: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag' CT-Based Pet, Garden Retail Chain Closing After 40 Years: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag'
Ct-based Pet, Garden Retail Chain Closing After 40 Years: 'We'll Miss Every Tail Wag' A popular retailer of pet and garden supplies in southern New England is shutting down after four decades. Smithland Pet & Garden Center will close all 13 of its stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts, the company said in a news release on Monday, May 5. Originally launching in 1985, Smithland was previously known as myAgway, as well as Dave's Soda and Pet City. The chain offering pet supplies, gardening goods, wild bird seed, and backyard furniture will begin storewide sales on Tuesday, May 6. "This is not a goodbye without deep gratitude," Smithfield said. "Our love f…
Armed Gas Station Robber Found Guilty In String Of Violent Hold-Ups Across CT: DOJ Armed Gas Station Robber Found Guilty In String Of Violent Hold-Ups Across CT: DOJ
Armed Gas Station Robber Found Guilty In String Of Violent Hold-Ups Across CT: DOJ A New Haven man has been found guilty in connection with a violent robbery spree that terrorized gas station workers across Connecticut in the early days of the pandemic. William Rosario Lopez, 39, was found guilty on multiple charges after hearing detailed evidence about a series of armed robberies that took place over just nine days in March 2020, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.  According to court testimony, Rosario Lopez stormed five gas stations —Vernon, Southington, Waterbury, Ansonia, and New Britain — threatening employees with a silver pistol. In one case, he hit a clerk…
Convicted Killer Gets 18 Years For Deadly Hit-And-Run Of CT Trooper: Police Convicted Killer Gets 18 Years For Deadly Hit-And-Run Of CT Trooper: Police
Convicted Killer Gets 18 Years For Deadly Hit-And-Run Of CT Trooper: Police A Hartford man who admitted to hitting and killing a Connecticut State Trooper and then driving away will spend the next 18 years behind bars, authorities said.  Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 45, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the death of Trooper Aaron Pelletier, according to state authorities.  Pelletier was conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of I-84 in Southington when Oyola-Sanchez crashed into him and kept driving, police said. Trooper Pelletier left behind his wife, Dominique, and their two young sons. Dominique spoke at the sentencing hearing, according to NBC Connecticut…
These CT ShopRite Stores Are Open On Easter Sunday (Some Are Closed) These CT ShopRite Stores Are Open On Easter Sunday (Some Are Closed)
These CT ShopRite Stores Are Open On Easter Sunday (Some Are Closed) Before you head out for rolls or last-minute chocolate bunnies this Easter Sunday, double-check your local ShopRite’s hours below. Across Connecticut, some ShopRite stores are staying open for limited hours, while many others will be closed all day on Sunday, April 20. Here’s the full list of which CT ShopRite stores are open, closed, and when they’re closing early, so you’re not left out in the parking lot. OPEN (Limited Easter Sunday Hours): These stores will be open on Easter — most from 6 or 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. ShopRite of Clinton – 7am-2pm ShopRite of Cromwell – 7am-2pm ShopRite of…
CT Officer Dies After Yearlong Cancer Battle: 'He Never Stopped Putting Others First' CT Officer Dies After Yearlong Cancer Battle: 'He Never Stopped Putting Others First'
CT Officer Dies After Yearlong Cancer Battle: 'He Never Stopped Putting Others First' Loved ones say Nicholas Lettieri gave everything he had to his role as a Torrington police sergeant — even while battling pancreatic cancer. Now, the community is coming together to repay that debt to his family after his death last week.  Lettieri, 34, of Southington, died Saturday, April 5, at Hartford Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Meghan, and their 2-year-old son, Finn. Both were at his bedside — along with members of his Torrington police family — when he passed. In a traditional show of mourning and respect, the Torrington Police Department has draped black and purple bunt…
Influencer Motorcyclist Hit 190 MPH On CT Highways, Films It, Gets Arrested: Cops Influencer Motorcyclist Hit 190 MPH On CT Highways, Films It, Gets Arrested: Cops
Influencer Motorcyclist Hit 190 MPH On CT Highways, Films It, Gets Arrested: Cops Filming a crime is usually a bad idea, and posting those videos to your personal YouTube page will likely end in handcuffs. That’s what happened to a 21-year-old Connecticut man who filmed himself speeding throughout the state, sometimes hitting speeds of 190 mph, authorities said.  Brice Bennett, of Bloomfield, was arrested Tuesday, April 8, and charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain a lane, and reckless endangerment, Connecticut State Police said. He was released on a $5,000 bond. Troopers launched their investigation after discovering multiple videos on a YouTube channel…
CT Sushi Spot Lands On Yelp's 2025 Top 100 Restaurants List CT Sushi Spot Lands On Yelp's 2025 Top 100 Restaurants List
CT Sushi Spot Lands On Yelp's 2025 Top 100 Restaurants List Several restaurants in the Northeast are among the best 100 places to eat in the US, according to a new list. Yelp has released its 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat list, spotlighting everything from food trucks and fast-casual gems to fine dining standouts. The list was created from restaurant reviews, ratings, and activity, then further curated by community managers and Yelp's "trend expert." Peruvian Cuisine In Dutch Country Chellas Arepa Kitchen in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was ranked No. 5 in the nation, standing out for its Peruvian-inspired arepas stuffed with options like honey-roasted BBQ…
'I'll Kill You:' 100 MPH Pursuit Ends In Arrest Of I-84 Road Rage Driver, CT State Police Say 'I'll Kill You:' 100 MPH Pursuit Ends In Arrest Of I-84 Road Rage Driver, CT State Police Say
'I'll Kill You:' 100 MPH Pursuit Ends In Arrest Of I-84 Road Rage Driver, CT State Police Say Connecticut State Police troopers got their guy. A 27-year-old Hartford is in custody after police say he was involved in a series of violent road rage incidents on I-84 before leading officers on a high-speed chase, CT State Police announced. Robert Patrick Misericordia was identified as the driver of an orange Honda Civic involved in at least three separate road rage incidents on the morning of Feb. 11, according to Connecticut State Police. The first incident was reported near Exit 18 in Waterbury, where a motorist told police that Misericordia cut him off, blocked his vehicle, and got …
Major Search On For I-84 Armed Road Rage Attacker Underway Major Search On For I-84 Armed Road Rage Attacker Underway
Major Search On For I-84 Armed Road Rage Attacker Underway A man who police say ditched his car in a rest area along I-84 after a road rage attack on the highway is being sought by authorities, Connecticut State Police said. UPDATE: Robert Misericordia Arrested In I-84 Road Rage Incidents, Police Say The incident involved a firearm and happened around 8:40 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the westbound lanes near Exit 17, CSP said. The victim shared photos of the incident with NBC Connecticut. #EXCLUSIVE: A manhunt is underway for the suspect in a string of road rage incidents on I-84. We spoke to a victim who recorded the man getting out of his…
CT School Superintendent Charged With DUI Will Keep His Job: Board CT School Superintendent Charged With DUI Will Keep His Job: Board
CT School Superintendent Charged With DUI Will Keep His Job: Board A Connecticut school leader who is accused of crashing his car while driving intoxicated last month will not be fired, the school district announced this week.  Superintendent of Pomperaug Regional School District 15 Joshua Smith, 52, was charged with operating under the influence and failure to maintain his lane in the Jan. 18 crash, Southington police said this week.  Smith crashed his 2015 Lexus on Mulberry Street in Southington around 1 a.m. when he slammed into a utility pole and another vehicle in a driveway, authorities said. Eversource had to repair the pole, whi…
CT Teen Was Going 102 MPH Before I-84 Wreck That Killed Grandmother, Police Say CT Teen Was Going 102 MPH Before I-84 Wreck That Killed Grandmother, Police Say
CT Teen Was Going 102 MPH Before I-84 Wreck That Killed Grandmother, Police Say A 19-year-old Connecticut man was charged this week with killing a 58-year-old woman in a February crash on I-84, authorities said. Maxwell Nemec, of Cheshire, is charged with second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, and misconduct with a motor vehicle, Connecticut State Police said on Friday, Dec. 6. Nemec was driving a 2014 Nissan Juke eastbound on I-84 on Feb. 15 in Southington shortly after 6:45 p.m. Witnesses told troopers that Nemec was speeding in the left lane when he came up behind Lesley Petrafassi's BMW near Exit 31, a police report said.  Nemec merged into the center…
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…
Lottery Hot Streak: $3M In Prizes Won In 4 Days Across CT Lottery Hot Streak: $3M In Prizes Won In 4 Days Across CT
Lottery Hot Streak: $3M In Prizes Won In 4 Days Across CT It's been a great week for Connecticut gamblers as they've raked in millions from Monday, Oct. 25 through Thursday, Oct. 24. More than 2,000 people won a total of $2.5 million on Monday evening's Play4 drawing.  A $100,000 winning "200X" scratch-off ticket was sold at Eagle Mart at 2 Spring Street in Stafford Springs.  Another $100,000 prize was won on a "Cash5" ticket sold at LaBonnes Market at 75 Waterbury Road in Prospect. A $255,829 winning Fast Play "$5 Moneybags Progressive" ticket was sold at Henny Penny located at 273 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southingto…
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 …
Teen Busted Going 113 MPH While Intoxicated, Said He Driving From Brazil: Police Teen Busted Going 113 MPH While Intoxicated, Said He Driving From Brazil: Police
Teen Busted Going 113 MPH While Intoxicated, Said He Driving From Brazil: Police A 19-year-old man caught speeding at more than 100 miles per hour on I-84 earlier this week claimed he was driving home from another continent, authorities said.  Avila Carvalho, of Naugatuck in New Haven County, was charged with reckless driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Connecticut State Police said.  A trooper clocked Carvalho's Toyota Corolla going 113 mph near the westbound Exit 32 in Southington around 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, police said. The speed limit there is 65 mph.  Related: Man Clocked At 126 MPH On I-84 In Southingt…
Missing 11-Year-Old Boy Found Safe By Alert CT Resident Missing 11-Year-Old Boy Found Safe By Alert CT Resident
Missing 11-Year-Old Boy Found Safe By Alert CT Resident A concerned citizen has found a Connecticut 11-year-old who had been missing for more than a day. Related: Missing: Southington Boy, 11, Hasn't Been Seen Since Leaving Home Hartford County resident Cody Schrlau, of Southington, went missing from his home on Monday, Sept. 2.  According to Capt. James Armack of the Southington Police, the boy was spotted on a walking trail in New Haven County in Cheshire. The citizen contacted the Cheshire Police who responded and stopped Cody, Armack said. "He is currently being reunited with family members," the captain said. Armack thanked …
Popular, Sometimes Wild, CT Bar & Grill To Close For Good Popular, Sometimes Wild, CT Bar & Grill To Close For Good
Popular, Sometimes Wild, CT Bar & Grill To Close For Good A popular and sometimes wild Connecticut bar and grill has announced it will close for good this week. 75 Center, located in Hartford County in Southington, made the announcement on Facebook saying their last day of business will be Wednesday, July 3. "To our loyal and dear customers. Thank you for the years of memories, friendships, and celebrations along the way. Due to unfortunate circumstances we are going to be locking our doors Wednesday July 3rd for the last time.. The staff invites all of you to come down, have a drink, share some laughs, and, as always, have a great time! We will b…
Support Floods In For Family Of Trooper Killed In CT Hit-Run Support Floods In For Family Of Trooper Killed In CT Hit-Run
Support Floods In For Family Of Trooper Killed In CT Hit-Run After the tragic death of a Connecticut State Police Trooper, the community has rallied together to support his wife and their two young children. Trooper Aaron Pelletier, age 34, was killed on Thursday, May 30, on I-84 in Hartford County. Aaron was near Exit 31 in Southington, standing at the driver’s side door of a vehicle he had just pulled over when he was struck and killed by a passing driver. Earlier Report: Arrest Made In Trooper's Hit-Run Death In Southington “The grief and sadness caused by Aaron’s sudden death cannot be properly expressed in words,” wrote Troop H, whom…
Arrest Made In State Trooper's Hit-Run Death Arrest Made In State Trooper's Hit-Run Death
Arrest Made In State Trooper's Hit-Run Death A 44-year-old Connecticut man has been charged in the hit-and-run death of Trooper Aaron Pelletier, who was killed while making a traffic stop. Related: New Update: Trooper ID’d As Victim In Southington I-84 Crash The incident occurred in Hartford County around 2:30 p.m., Thursday, May 30, on I-84 in Southington. According to the Connecticut State Police, Alex Oyola-Sanchez, age 44, of Hartford, was charged with manslaughter/motor vehicle, among other charges, moments after the fatal crash when his vehicle sustained a tire failure on I-84 in Farmington. He is being held on a $5 mill…
New Update: Officer ID’d As Victim In CT I-84 Crash New Update: Officer ID’d As Victim In CT I-84 Crash
New Update: Officer ID’d As Victim In CT I-84 Crash This story has been updated.  The victim of a serious I-84 crash has been identified as a Connecticut State Police trooper. Aaron Pelletier has been announced as the victim of a Thursday, May 30 hit-and-run crash on I-84 in the Hartford County town of Southington, his Connecticut State Police colleagues announced. Pelletier, who served in Troop H of Hartford, pulled over a car near Exit 31 just after 2:30 p.m. for a traffic stop. Pelletier's place of residence and age have not yet been released. After he had stepped outside of his cruiser, he was hit by a passing vehicle, which c…