Ansonia Police charge 3 juveniles in former Ansonia Copper and Brass building arson

ANSONIA - Police today arrested three juveniles for their involvement in the arson fire on Feb. 2 at the former Ansonia Copper and Brass building on Liberty Street. 

The three males were ages 13, 13, and 14. Their names will not be released due to their juvenile status, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.

Each juvenile was charged with arson first degree, conspiracy to commit arson first degree, and criminal trespass second degree. They will appear in juvenile court March 15.

Lynch said the arson investigation was a joint effort among the Ansonia Police Department, Ansonia Fire Marshal, and Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit. 

Officer Michael Barry, Officer Joshua Rodrgiuez, and Detective Kristen Hunt of the Ansonia Police Department along with Ansonia Fire Marshal Darrick Lundeen, and Connecticut State Police Detectives Lindsey Dworin and Kyle Faucher were able to identify witnesses and the suspects, interviewing all of the identified individuals. 

During the interviews the juvenile suspects admitted to their involvement in the arson, Lynch said.

Chief Wayne Williams recognized the members of the Ansonia Police Department, the Ansonia Fire Marshal, and Connecticut State Police for their effort in investigating and solving this case.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Shelton Police arrest 2 juveniles Sunday in stolen vehicle

SHELTON - Police said this morning that at approximately 2:15 a.m. Sunday they were advised a vehicle was just stolen from a driveway in Shelton.

Officers on patrol were able to locate the stolen vehicle and another vehicle that appeared to be connected with the stolen vehicle. Officers attempted to stop the vehicles, but the vehicles fled and police disengaged.

Officers were then advised that the vehicle following the stolen car crashed and that the operator was fleeing on foot. Police headed towards the crash and located the stolen vehicle as well.

The stolen vehicle attempted to flee and struck a police vehicle. Three people then fled the stolen vehicle on foot. Two of the three individuals were apprehended by police following a foot chase.

Both individuals arrested were 14-year old juveniles from Hamden. They were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, engaging in pursuit, reckless driving, interfering, and operating a MV without a license. Both were released to a parent.

One arrestee was wearing an ankle bracelet and his probation officer was notified as well.

It was reported to police that the stolen vehicle was unlocked and the keys were left in the vehicle.

Police again are reminding residents to lock their vehicles and take the keys inside.

***The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.***

Rochelle: Judicial Branch to streamline cops' access to juvenile arrest records

Friends and Neighbors,

I want to share some breaking news regarding efforts to curb car thefts: starting September 1, the CT Judicial Branch will provide police departments with 24/7 access to juvenile arrest records to help curb car thefts and break-ins.

The Judicial Branch and local police have struggled to share juvenile criminal history and that has hampered efforts to detain, investigate, and prosecute repeat offenders.

This is what the new policies look like:

Police departments will have the ability to seek and receive information regarding a juvenile’s prior criminal history if there is one (i.e., probation, pending cases/conditions of release, pending orders, convictions/adjudication, and suspended detention orders) at any time, even nights and weekends.

Police departments will have discretion if they need to seek additional information beyond what’s listed above. 

The same discretion still applies for detention orders.
The turnaround time for this information between police departments and the Juvenile Probation Office is estimated to be around one hour, effectively ending what people call “catch and release” of repeat offenders, as it will happen within the maximum time of six hours to hold a juvenile before applying for detention (i.e. gives officers time to receive this pertinent information and apply for a detention order well before the six hours is up).

This change comes after speaking with police chiefs across the state who told us they didn’t have access to information they needed to get the worst offenders off the streets. This change is critical in the effort to solve this statewide and national issue.

I am pleased the Judicial Department heard the concerns legislators brought forth on behalf of our constituents and police officers.

Both the Ansonia and Derby Police Departments are asking for your assistance by taking your car keys inside your homes, locking your doors, and keeping valuables out of sight.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.

All my Best,

Kara Rochelle
State Representative


This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Ansonia Police: Stranger tells 2 girls to get into SUV in AMS parking lot

Girls unharmed; suspect sought

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department investigated a suspicious person complaint at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday on Day Street in the Ansonia Middle School parking lot. 

Two juvenile females, ages 11 and 12, were walking in the parking lot of the middle school when they were approached by a black vehicle being driven by a black male who told the females several times to get into his vehicle. The juveniles ran from the scene and the suspect fled. 
The vehicle is described as a black smaller SUV with the rear windows tinted and the driver was a black male wearing a red hat and red shirt with gold rim glasses. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously through Tip411 at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553


This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia Police charge 2 juveniles in Nature Center vandalism

Vandals hit Abe Stone Park after snowstorm

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police charged two male juveniles March 2 with vandalism in February of the soccer field at the Ansonia Nature Center. 

Damage to the field was estimated to be $1,500. 
The males, both 17 at the time of the vandalism, were charged with Criminal Mischief First Degree and released to their parents, police said. 
Both suspects are scheduled to appear at Waterbury Juvenile Court later this month.

Vandalism reported at Abe Stone Park
The Ansonia Police Department today investigated a reported vandalism at Abe Stone Park on Colony Street. 
It appears at least two vehicles, a motorcycle and a truck, were driven on the soccer field causing an unknown amount of damage, police said. 
The vandalism is believed to have occurred over the last two days as the tire tracks are in the recent snow. 
The Ansonia Police Department is asking anyone with information to please call 203-735-1885. Information also may be left on Tip411.