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Hartford County, CT

Firefighter Hurt Battling Weekend Blaze In Simsbury Firefighter Hurt Battling Weekend Blaze In Simsbury
Firefighter Hurt Battling Weekend Blaze In Simsbury A Connecticut firefighter was injured battling a weekend blaze in Hartford County, authorities said. ' The fire was reported at 730 Hopmeadow St. in Simbury on Saturday evening, Dec. 14. Officials didn't say when the blaze began.  Crews arrived to find the home engulfed in fire and flames licking through the first-floor windows. The Simsbury Fire Department said firefighters pushed their way into the conflagration but were forced to retreat as the blaze pushed forward.  Simsbury Fire Department Simbury immediately called for assistance and crews from Avon, Canton, Blo…
New Britain DUI Driver Narrowly Misses Trooper Clearing Debris From I-84 In Hartford: Police New Britain DUI Driver Narrowly Misses Trooper Clearing Debris From I-84 In Hartford: Police
New Britain DUI Driver Narrowly Misses Trooper Clearing Debris From I-84 In Hartford: 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 From Newington Nabbed After Well-Being Check In CT Commuter Lot Fugitive From Newington Nabbed After Well-Being Check In CT Commuter Lot
Fugitive From Newington Nabbed 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: Enfield Man Busted After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police 4 Days, 2 DUIs: Enfield Man Busted After Driving Erratically In Front Of Police
4 Days, 2 DUIs: Enfield Man Busted 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…
$3M Lottery Jackpot: Massive Winning Ticket Sold In Southington $3M Lottery Jackpot: Massive Winning Ticket Sold In Southington
$3M Lottery Jackpot: Massive Winning Ticket Sold In Southington It was a very lucky week for several Nutmeggers after more than 1,100 people collected cash playing games, but the biggest jackpots were a $3 million ticket and a $242,000 winner.  The $3 million ticket was sold in Hartford County at Cumberland Farms at 1978 West Street in Southington.  The winner correctly guessed all the white balls in the Mega Millions drawing on Saturday, Nov. 9, which earned them $1 million. The multiplier was x3, tripling the prize money.  The store will get a $100,000 bonus for selling the ticket. The $242,930 was a $10 Fast Play Stacks of Ca$h …
Ex-Windsor Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love' Ex-Windsor Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love'
Ex-Windsor 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 …
Pedestrian Killed Walking Along Bristol Highway; Police Investigating Crash Pedestrian Killed Walking Along Bristol Highway; Police Investigating Crash
Pedestrian Killed Walking Along Bristol Highway; Police Investigating Crash Police in Connecticut are asking to speak to witnesses of a crash on Sunday, Nov. 10, that left a pedestrian dead in Hartford County.  Authorities were called to the wreck at the intersection of Barnes Highway (Route 72) and Lincoln Avenue in Bristol just before 6 p.m. and found a man suffering severe injuries, police said.  Paramedics rushed him to an area hospital, where he died of his wounds. Bristol Police have not released his name.  The driver who struck him remained at the scene and was cooperating with police.  Bristol Police shut down a portion of Barnes Highw…
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…
Southington Restaurant, Bowling Alley Announces Immediate Closure Southington Restaurant, Bowling Alley Announces Immediate Closure
Southington 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 Andover Neighbor As She Bathed With Baby: Police Man Peeped On Andover Neighbor As She Bathed With Baby: Police
Man Peeped On Andover 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': Wethersfield Man Turns Himself In Over Road Rage Incident 'I Never Intended To Shoot Anyone': Wethersfield Man Turns Himself In Over Road Rage Incident
'I Never Intended To Shoot Anyone': Wethersfield 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 New Britain Man's Stolen Car In Hours How The Internet Tracked Down New Britain Man's Stolen Car In Hours
How The Internet Tracked Down New Britain 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…
Newly Minted Millionaires: Wethersfield Player Splits $2M CT Lottery Prize Newly Minted Millionaires: Wethersfield Player Splits $2M CT Lottery Prize
Newly Minted Millionaires: Wethersfield Player Splits $2M CT Lottery Prize 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 Plainville Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Plainville Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash
'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Plainville Man 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…
Coffee Shop With Middle Eastern Spin Coming Soon To West Hartford Coffee Shop With Middle Eastern Spin Coming Soon To West Hartford
Coffee Shop With Middle Eastern Spin Coming Soon To West Hartford The windows of Yemerica Coffee in Hartford County loudly proclaim it's coming soon. Though the owners have not given any definitive date of when that will be, several people have posted their excitement online about the prospect of having a Yemen coffee house close to home.  The coffee shop is located at 1000 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford. The cafe hasn't released its menu, but a Yelp page for the business says it will serve breakfast, brunch, coffee, and tea.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by القرية العربيه …
(UPDATE) Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire In Berlin (UPDATE) Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire In Berlin
(Update) Wethersfield Firefighter Killed In ATV Crash While Fighting Brush Fire In Berlin 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 In Burlington ID'd As Bristol Man, Woman 2 Killed In Fiery Crash In Burlington ID'd As Bristol Man, Woman
2 Killed In Fiery Crash In Burlington ID'd As Bristol Man, Woman 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…
Tractor-Trailer Rollover Crash in Farmington Causes Fuel Spill, Sends Several To Hospital Tractor-Trailer Rollover Crash in Farmington Causes Fuel Spill, Sends Several To Hospital
Tractor-Trailer Rollover Crash in Farmington Causes Fuel Spill, Sends Several To Hospital Several people were hospitalized Sunday night, Oct. 20, after a tractor-trailer rollover crash that spilled fuel along I-84 in Hartford County, police said.  The crash was reported around 11:30 p.m. near eastbound Exit 39 after a car crashed into the truck carrying produce, causing it to roll, Connecticut State Police said.  The truck landed on its side and leaked fuel along the highway. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded to the crash to deal with the clean-up, authorities said.  Several people were injured in the crash, though none of their…
Farmington Sex Offender Nabbed Fondling Himself In Public; Then He Did It Again: Police Farmington Sex Offender Nabbed Fondling Himself In Public; Then He Did It Again: Police
Farmington Sex Offender Nabbed Fondling Himself In Public; Then He Did It Again: Police 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…
Enfield Man ID'd As Driver Killed In I-91 Crash With Work Truck Enfield Man ID'd As Driver Killed In I-91 Crash With Work Truck
Enfield Man ID'd As Driver Killed In I-91 Crash With Work Truck Police have identified an 88-year-old Connecticut man as the driver who was killed when he crashed into a truck in Hartford County on Friday afternoon, Oct. 18.  William Higgins was driving south on Route 5 in Enfield when he left the road, went through a wooded grassy area onto I-91, and crashed into the truck around 2:30 p.m., Connecticut State Police said.  Paramedics rushed the Enfield man to Hartford Hospital, where he died of his wounds.  Responders also took the Lot and More work truck driver to the hospital for minor injuries.  Police are investigating the cras…
28-Year-Old ID'd As Driver Killed In Rollover Crash After Truck Hits Stone Wall In Burlington 28-Year-Old ID'd As Driver Killed In Rollover Crash After Truck Hits Stone Wall In Burlington
28-Year-Old ID'd As Driver Killed In Rollover Crash After Truck Hits Stone Wall In Burlington A 28-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Thursday morning, Oct. 18, in Hartford County, authorities said.  Guage Reichler was driving his Chevrolet Trailblazer along Stafford Avenue in Burlington just before 9 a.m. when his truck veered off the road for an unknown reason, crashed into a stone wall, and rolled over, Connecticut State Police said.  Paramedics pronounced the Burlington man dead at the scene, authorities said.  The circumstances around the crash are under investigation. Authorities ask anyone who witnessed the wreck or has dashcam …
Tavern To Close Location In Avon After 30 Years: Here's When Tavern To Close Location In Avon After 30 Years: Here's When
Tavern To Close Location In Avon 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 …
Arsonist Torches $1M Worth Of Vehicles In Secluded Farmington Construction Yard Arsonist Torches $1M Worth Of Vehicles In Secluded Farmington Construction Yard
Arsonist Torches $1M Worth Of Vehicles In Secluded Farmington Construction Yard Connecticut State Police are asking for the public's help to track down an arsonist who caused $1 million in damages after they torched construction equipment in Hartford County.  Hammonasset Construction told police that someone set ablaze several vehicles parked in a secluded construction yard near exit 39A on I-84 in Farmington, authorities said.  The company said the fire happened over the weekend, Oct. 12-13.  Investigators said the fires would have been visible from both sides of the interstate. They ask anyone who saw the fire or has information on who set i…
Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In Rollover Crash On I-91 In Rocky Hill Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In Rollover Crash On I-91 In Rocky Hill
Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In Rollover Crash On I-91 In Rocky Hill 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 …
Police Probe 'Suspicious' Circumstances After SUV Ends Up In Wethersfield Cove Police Probe 'Suspicious' Circumstances After SUV Ends Up In Wethersfield Cove
Police Probe 'Suspicious' Circumstances After SUV Ends Up In Wethersfield Cove Police in Connecticut have a lot of questions after a car ended up in a Hartford County cove on Thursday, Oct. 10.  Police were called to Wethersfield Cove off of Main Street in Wethersfield around 7 p.m. after a 2004 Honda Pilot ended up in the drink. The three people inside were able to escape unharmed.  Wethersfield Police have deemed the incident as "suspicious." The driver told officers that the car's brakes failed, and the SUV rolled into the water, where it sank.  The Capital Region Dive Team helped pull the car from the water.  The incident remains under …
Bloomfield Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child Bloomfield Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child
Bloomfield 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…
Several I-91 Lanes Closed After Truck Strikes, Damages Overpass In Enfield Several I-91 Lanes Closed After Truck Strikes, Damages Overpass In Enfield
Several I-91 Lanes Closed After Truck Strikes, Damages Overpass In Enfield Connecticut DOT workers are cleaning up the mess and inspecting the damage after a truck with a crane mounted to it crashed into an overpass on I-91 in Hartford County.  The truck struck the Route 190 bridge overpass in Enfield around 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, forcing workers to close three out of the four lanes, Connecticut State Police said. It's unclear how long they will be shut down.  The crane arm damaged the bridge's metal and concrete supports, and engineers were on the scene to inspect the extent of the harm.  Exit 47W remained open as of 1:30 p.m., but driver…
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Wethersfield Apartment: Report Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Wethersfield Apartment: Report
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Wethersfield 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 In Southington: Police Man Takes Rented BMW On 126-MPH Joyride On I-84 In Southington: Police
Man Takes Rented BMW On 126-mph Joyride On I-84 In Southington: 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 …
Driver Killed, Passenger Seriously Hurt After Car Crashes Into East Windsor Tree Driver Killed, Passenger Seriously Hurt After Car Crashes Into East Windsor Tree
Driver Killed, Passenger Seriously Hurt After Car Crashes Into East Windsor Tree Police believe a man who was killed when his car crashed into a tree in Connecticut over the weekend may have suffered a medical emergency before the Hartford County wreck.  East Windsor Police were called to 119 Chamberlain Road around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, when an OnStar notification indicated a crash, authorities said. They found a single vehicle that had left the road and hit a tree in a wooded area.  The driver was unconscious and not breathing when officers arrived, police said. His passenger was awake but was suffering from severe injuries. Police have not rele…
Bloomfield Woman, 26, Killed In I-91 Crash Caused By Intoxicated Driver In Rocky Hill: Police Bloomfield Woman, 26, Killed In I-91 Crash Caused By Intoxicated Driver In Rocky Hill: Police
Bloomfield Woman, 26, Killed In I-91 Crash Caused By Intoxicated Driver In Rocky Hill: 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…