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Driver Accused of Causing Crash Into Griffin Hospital Arrested

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The driver accused of causing a crash that sent a vehicle into Griffin Hospital earlier this year has been arrested.

Derby Police said the driver, later identified as 51-year-old Stewart Paskiewich, of Waterbury, turned himself in on Wednesday.

Officers said Paskiewich was charged with DUI and was released after posting bond. He will be in court on January 3.

Back in June, officers responded to Griffin Hospital Emergency Room's parking lot after a vehicle crashed into the building and into the emergency waiting room area.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Paskiewich was driving his vehicle up Division Street when he hit an unoccupied, parked vehicle in the Emergency Room parking lot.

Police said the collision caused the parked vehicle to crash through the building.

Paskiewich was taken into Griffin Hospital to be treated for minor injuries and was released.

According to officers, after the crash, Paskiewich was given a breathalyzer test. The test showed his BAC was .365, which is more than four times the legal limit.



Photo Credit: Storm Engine Co./Ambulance Corps Co. 2

Woman Kidnapped from Massachusetts and Assaulted Found in Milford: Police

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Police in Milford found a woman walking near an Interstate 95 off-ramp on Sunday and have arrested a man who is accused of kidnapping her, driving her from Massachusetts to Connecticut, cutting her and threatening to kill her. 

Police said someone reported suspicious activity Sunday near the exit 40-offramp and officers investigated. They said they found a female walking on Woodmont Road, away from a car, and also stopped the vehicle. 

After investigating, police arrested 34-year-old Carlos Rosario-Infante, of Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Police said he is accused of driving the victim from Massachusetts to Connecticut without her consent, cutting her with a razor blade several times and telling her he was going to kill her.

Inside the car, officers found a BB gun near the center console, according to police. 

Rosario-Infante was charged with first-degree kidnapping, disorderly conduct, first-degree threatening, first-degree assault and weapon in a motor vehicle. He was held on $190,000. 



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Russia: "American Detained During 'Spying Action'"

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Russian security officials said Monday that they had detained an American citizen in Moscow on suspicion of spying.

Russia's domestic security service, FSB, referenced a section of the country's criminal code regarding espionage but did not specify charges.

A spokesman for the U.S. State Department told NBC News that the U.S. had requested consular access, as called for in the Vienna Convention.



Photo Credit: AP

Connecticut Residents Prepare to Ring in 2019

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Residents of Connecticut head out to beat the crowds and the rain to get ready for New Year's Eve parties.

Louis C.K. Mocks Parkland Survivors

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In a stand up routine, the comedian Louis C.K. took aim at survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February.

A two-minute clip on social media showed him saying, "you're not interesting. Because you went to a high school where kids got shot? Why does that mean I have to listen to you?...You didn't get shot, you pushed some fat kid in the way, and now I've got to listen to you talking?"

The leaked audio was taken at Governor's Comedy Club on Long Island, New York, the venue's owner confirmed to NBC News.

The owner, James Dolce, said the comedian got standing ovations at the club. But he faced backlash online from the survivors and others.

Louis C.K. has kept a low profile since he admitted to sexual misconduct more than a year ago. A call to his representative was not immediately returned.

Police Launch Search for Person in Colebrook

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State police are searching for a person in Colebrook and said they are working with other agencies in the search.

The staging area is in the area of the Colebrook River Lake Boat Ramp off Route 8, according to police.

Officials from the Colebrook Fire Department said they received a call around 11 a.m. from someone who reported hearing a call for help and the crews are searching in and out of the water.

No additional information was immediately available. Check back for updates.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Man Found With 7 Pounds of Marijuana Found in Vernon Hotel Room: Police

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Photo Credit: East Central Narcotics Task Force

3 Suspects Linked to Westport Crime Spree: Police

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Three people are accused in a Westport crime spree that includes home and car break-ins, stolen cars and other thefts, according to Westport police.

Police arrested 19-year-old Xavier Medel of Bridgeport Friday on charges related to a December 23 burglary on Sandhopper Trail. He was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, larceny, credit card theft and conspiracy to commit credit card theft.

Investigators said they have linked Medel and two juvenile suspects to multiple crimes in the area, including six home burglaries, 14 vehicle break-ins, two stolen cars and other thefts. The trio targeted the area of Sandhopper Trail, Crystal Circle, Gault Avenue, Oak Ridge Park, Keyser Road, Evergreen Avenue, Gorham Avenue and Brooklawn Drive.

Police have recovered some of the stolen property, including stolen cars, computers, a bicycle and a purse.

Investigators are looking into whether the group was involved in other crimes in other towns, and are still searching for more of the stolen property.

Charges are pending for the Westport incidents.

Police said in all of these cases, the homes and vehicles targeted were unlocked. Residents are reminded to lock up every night, keep valuables out of sight, and turn on outdoor lights or security systems.



Photo Credit: Westport Police Department

Spacey's Motion to Be Excused from Arraignment Denied

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Correction: An earlier version of this story said the Supreme Judicial Court had excused Kevin Spacey from appearing at his arraignment.


A Massachusetts judge has denied actor Kevin Spacey's motion that he be excused from appearing at his arraignment in Nantucket on a charge of indecent assault and battery. 

A lawyer had filed a motion for the disgraced actor to be excused from the Jan. 7 arraignment. Spacey is accused of assaulting the teenage son of a Boston television anchor.

Kevin Spacey says his presence at a Massachusetts courthouse on accusations that he groped a young man would "amplify the negative publicity already generated in connection with this case."

Spacey says in documents received by the Nantucket District Court on Monday that he's pleading not guilty and believes he should be excused from appearing at his arraignment.

The actor was first publicly accused in November 2017 by the victim's mother, former WCVB-TV news anchor Heather Unruh. She said her son was sexually assaulted by Spacey inside Nantucket's Club Car Restaurant.

"The victim - my son - was a starstruck, straight 18-year-old young man who had no idea that the famous actor was an alleged sexual predator or that he was about to become his next victim," Unruh said in November 2017.

"I want to make it clear - this was a criminal act," Unruh said. "It harmed him, and it cannot be undone."

A public show-cause hearing was held on Dec. 20 where a criminal complaint was issued against Kevin S. Fowler, also known as Kevin Spacey. The Boston Globe was the first to report that a criminal complaint had been filed.

"The complainant has shown a tremendous amount of courage in coming forward," Mitchell Garabedian, attorney for the accuser, said in a public statement in response to the filed complaint. "Let the facts be presented, the relevant law applied and a just and fair verdict rendered."

Minutes after news of the charge went public on Christmas Eve, Spacey tweeted a link to a YouTube video showing a monologue of himself apparently as Frank Underwood, the fictional character he once played in the series, "House of Cards."

Spacey was removed from the cast amid other allegations of inappropriate behavior by the actor.

"If I didn't pay the price for the things we both know I did do, I'm certainly not going to pay the price for the things I didn't do," Spacey says in the monologue.

It remains unclear if the social media posts have any connection to the latest charge.

Spacey hasn't responded to a request for comment.



Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BAFTA LA, File

Hamden Man Charged With Possession of Child Pornography

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Hamden police have arrested a local man on child pornography charges.

Police arrested 58-year-old Anthony Deluise Monday. He is charged with possession of child pornography.

In January 2018 the Computer Crimes Unit began an investigation into child pornography that led them to search Deluise’s home on Sebec Street, police said. Officers seized multiple devices, including electronics. According to police, a search of them turned up more than 1,400 images and movie files of suspected child pornography.

Deluise was released on a $25,000 bond and is due in court on January 8.



Photo Credit: Hamden Police Department

DOT Truck Lands in Naugatuck River

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A state Department of Transportation has gone down an embankment on Route 8 in Naugatuck and state police said the truck went into the Naugatuck River and minor injuries are reported. 

Troopers responded to Route 8 South, near Exit 27, at 11:39 a.m. 

The highway is open and crews from D.O.T are helping with a lane closure, state police said. 

No additional information was immediately available.

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Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

Flu Now Considered Widespread in Connecticut, 3 Flu-Related Deaths Reported

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The flu is now considered widespread across the state for the first time since last flu season and there have been three flu-related deaths this season.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health said the flu activity has increased rapidly in Connecticut within the last week.

According to health officials, the influenza A viruses are the predominate type circulating and there are very few influenza B viruses being reported.

To date, there have been a total of 162 patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza between August 26 and December 22, 2018. Officials said of those, 139 were associated with type A (subtype unspecified), six with influenza A (2009 H1N1), six with influenza A (H3N2) and 11 with influenza B viruses.

Health officials said there have been a total of three flu-associated deaths reported, including two deaths in people older than 65. The third death was a person aged 50-64 years old.

A total of 527 influenza positive laboratory tests have been reported during the current season, health officials said.

According to national data, Connecticut is one of 11 states where the flu is considered widespread.

Officials remind residents that December is still a good time to get a flu shot and to take steps to prevent flu-related illnesses and hospitalization.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren Announces Exploratory Committee for Presidential Run

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced she is forming an exploratory committee for a possible 2020 presidential run Monday. Warren is the first Democrat to take a formal step towards a 2020 presidential run.

Hamden Firefighter Brews Beer To Honor Fallen MA Firefighter

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By purchasing a pint, you could help the daughter of a fallen firefighter from Worcester, Mass.

A limited-time only IPA in honor of Christopher Roy is on tap at BAR - New Haven on Crown Street.

Roy, 36, died in the line of duty on December 9 while fighting a five-alarm at an apartment building in Worcester.

“It’s good that we have the brotherhood that you know stands behind each other,” Hamden Fire Department Lt. David Wood said.

That brotherhood was on display at the funeral attended by hundreds of firefighters a few days after the deadly fire.

“Four and five wide down the whole street,” said Wood, who represented the Hamden Fire Department at the final farewell for Roy.

“You look you know at family life without a father you know how are these kids, or child in this case, you know going to cope with that and down line are they going to have money to go to college because now their sole provider is gone,” Wood said.

The Worcester firefighters’ union has set up a fund for Roy’s 9-year-old daughter Ava.

“A lot of us are fairly humble about it,” Wood told NBC Connecticut. “I don’t even like being on the news, but this is for a good cause.”

A 14-year Hamden firefighter, Wood is also the head brewer at BAR. He decided to brew a special beer called “Last Alarm IPA” to honor Roy.

“Fairly balanced,” Wood said, “but very piney and resinous, has a lot of Simcoe hops.”

A dollar from each pint sold is donated to the Ava Roy fund.

“It means a lot to be able to support a fellow brother and family,” Wood said.

A week since the first pour, the specialty beer has been selling well.

“If you do want to try it, try to come down quick,” said Wood, who expects “Last Alarm IPA” to only remain on tap for about another week.

Donations to support the daughter of firefighter Roy can be made at www.iaff1009.org.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

U.S. Coast Guard Members Not Guaranteed Pay During Shutdown

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Headed into the New Year, members of the US Coast Guard may not get their paychecks if the government shut down continues.

Part of the Department of Homeland Security and not the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard is the only military sector not guaranteed pay during the government shutdown.

Monday Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) announced proposed legislation to fix that.

"They have mortgages to pay, commitment to their children, they have a need for this payment,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Especially the younger members who will feel real hardship if they don't get paid. So we want to make sure the Coast Guard gets paid just like all the other military branches."

While US Coast Guard Academy cadets are on winter break now, it is preparing for cutbacks next semester.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard Academy in New London tells us that of the more than 260 government funded civilian employees at the school - nearly 160 have been furloughed due to the shutdown.

“The lapse in funding will impact the ability for cadets to receive academic support services, participate in outreach activities and some athletic events,” said the spokesperson.

In downtown New London, Gus's Bar and Restaurant owner Krunal Patel says he relies on business from members of the Coast Guard, and he hopes the situation is resolved soon.

"This whole row is military people,” he said. “They come in at 11 in the morning."



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

What’s in Store for Retail in 2019?

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Big name store closings continue to rattle the retail industry.

From the iconic Toys R’ US, to giant Sears and Kmart, retailers are shutting their doors in the face of financial woes.

“I grew up on Toys R’ Us. It’s unfortunate,” said Julius Aguas.

“It’s very depressing. Yeah, it just seems like there are more and more,” said Elaine Blackwood.

According to retail experts, more than a dozen major department store chains, mattress sellers and shoe companies filed for bankruptcy protection in 2018, despite strong consumer spending that otherwise lifted the U.S. economy.

Shoppers who spoke with NBC Connecticut believe something has to give.

“I think retail is going to have to change its face,” said Blackwood.

“Online shopping is more convenient and it makes it harder for people to go out to shop,” added Aguas.

Professor John Clapp with The University of Connecticut’s Center for Real Estate says online sales account for only 9 percent of total sales and thinks this could be the end of an era for giant retailers.

“I think that we’re in the middle of an endgame strategy or an endgame process that’s unfolding in retail,” said Clapp.

Clapp blames the potential downward spiral of retail on overbuilding.

“It’s really not enough demand for all of the retail, the retail space we have,” said Clapp.

Clapp says as malls decline, the businesses around them tend to follow suit.

“These are the big stores that draw customers and so when they go dark all of these smaller stores, you know, the boutique type stores that are nearby they suffer,” added Clapp.

According to Clapp, repurposing those empty retail spaces for manufacturing, aerospace research, and biotechnology could open the door to more job growth.

Earlier this year, retailer Sam’s Club closed stores Manchester and Orange. Other retailers like Lowe’s and Starbucks announced plans to close some stores in 2019.

Suspect Charged in Glastonbury Bank Robbery

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Glastonbury police have arrested a suspect in an armed robbery at a local bank last week.

Storrs resident Jose R. Rodriguez, 46, is accused of robbing the United Bank at 2670 Main Street. 

Witnesses said the man entered the bank and displayed an orange-colored firearm, possibly a flare gun, according to police.

Rodriguez is charged with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, first-degree threatening and carrying a dangerous weapon. He was held on a $150,000 bond and is due in court on January 2.



Photo Credit: Glastonbury Police Department

1 Dead After Crash in Coventry

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A driver is dead after a serious crash on Daly Road in Coventry, according to police.

Police said officers responded to the single-car accident on Daly Road near Bellevue Drive around 6 p.m. The male driver, who has not been publicly identified, was pronounced dead on scene.

The road is closed while the METRO Traffic Accident Reconstruction team investigates. Police said the road will likely be open by midnight.

No other details were immediately available.

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact the Coventry Police Department at 860-742-7331.

Man Seriously Injured in New London Stabbing

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New London police are searching for a person who stabbed a man at an apartment complex on Hempstead Street Monday night.

Police said officers were called to 127 Hempstead St. around 7:15 p.m. for a reported stabbing. Officers found the victim lying in a hallway with serious injuries. He was rushed to L+M Hospital for further treatment.

The victim’s injuries are serious but not life-threatening, according to police.

Police do not believe this was random.

The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the New London Police Department at 860-447-5269 ext. 0 or the anonymous tips line by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

State Police Out in Force for New Year's Eve

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Vigilant and visible, Connecticut State Police have increased their presence on the roads with roving patrols and DUI checkpoints as people celebrate the New Year.

NBC Connecticut joined State Police Trooper Michael Stanger Monday as he patrolled a stretch of the Route 9 corridor, Essex and Deep River, making sure drivers were taking it slow and steady, the rain adding another dimension of danger.

“Poor visibility. The roads are slick. People don’t account for their speed and the roads being slippery.”

State Police began their roving patrols and DUI checkpoints last Friday, urging people to put down the keys if they picked up a drink.

“Even one can alter your driving - there are so many different options to prevent getting arrested for DUI, creating an accident like you said, hurting other people involved, so, yeah, it absolutely does surprise us still,” Stanger explained.

Stanger said the midnight shift will likely be busier.

“The roads do clear up and then after midnight the traffic picks up again from everyone leaving their parties.”

He said they are hoping everyone makes it home safe after the celebration ends.

“We just hope that no one gets into an accident, hurts themselves or another person because they’ve been drinking.”

State Police will continue increased enforcement through Wednesday.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut
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