2 charged after motor vehicle accidents March 8 in Ansonia

Amari M. Langston

Malik Jackson

ANSONIA - Police said today that on March 8 at approximately 4:30 p.m. a motorist reported their vehicle had been struck by a gray Jeep at the intersection of Bridge and West Main streets.

The vehicle fled the scene and was last observed traveling south on Pershing Drive, police said.

Officers subsequently located the Jeep after it became involved in a second crash on Pershing Drive at Division Street.

During this incident, the Jeep struck two additional vehicles before colliding with a pole and catching fire. All four occupants of the Jeep sustained injuries, with one passenger suffering serious head and neck injuries.

During the accident investigation, it was determined that the operator, Amari Langston, had a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.23%, nearly triple the legal limit.

Additionally, it was determined that the Jeep was traveling in excess of 90 mph on Pershing Drive just before the accident.

Officers arrested Langston on a warrant today, May 8 in connection with the accident investigation.

Amari M. Langston, 22, of Stratford was charged with:

• Assault in the First Degree

• Assault in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle

• (4) counts Assault in the Third Degree

• (3) counts Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree

• Reckless Driving

• Evading Responsibility

• Operating While Under the Influence of Liquor/Drug

• (2) counts Failure to Obey Traffic Signal

• Passing on the Right

• Failure to Register Motor Vehicle

• No Insurance

Langston was held on a $200,000 bond and assigned a court date of May 8, 2026.

Additionally, in connection with the investigation, Malik Jackson, 24, of Bridgeport was charged Thursday with:

• Failure to Insure Private Motor Vehicle

Jackson was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and assigned a court date of May 21.

Chief Williams thanks Ansonia Police Department’s Patrol and Detective Division, including the lead investigator, Det. Richard Esposito, Derby Police Department, Ansonia Rescue Medical Services, Ansonia Fire Department, and the Fairfield Police Department Crash Reconstruction Team for their assistance at the scene and throughout the investigation.

Shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Griffin Health in Derby honors 2025 Employee of the Year at awards dinner

Chris Collins

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored more than 800 employees and physicians who reached service milestones of 5 years and more, and announced the 2025 Employee of the Year and Department of the Year award winner at its 53rd Annual Service Awards Dinner at Aria in Prospect.

At an “outta sight” 1970s disco-themed celebration, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel personally presented gifts of appreciation to longtime employees and announced Griffin Hospital Security Officer Chris Collins, of Stratford, as the 2025 Employee of the Year and the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department as the 2025 Department of the Year.

Collins Named Top Caregiver

A caregiver for nine years at Griffin Hospital, Collins has been a trusted leader in the Griffin Hospital Security Department, displaying an exceptional ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and manage conflict calmly, compassionately and professionally.

“Chris’s professionalism and genuine care for others are evident in all he does,” Charmel said of Collins at the celebration. 

“One notable example of his caring approach was his support techniques used for a hearing-impaired behavioral health patient. Chris spent a considerable amount of time patiently connecting with the patient, using his knowledge of basic sign language that he learned as a former camp counselor to ease the patient’s anxiety and build trust. His thoughtful approach helped the patient laugh, feel reassured, and discover music and games on a computer tablet, leaving a lasting positive impact.”

Griffin’s Employee of the Year selection comes from its monthly I Take It Personally Award program where employees are nominated by their colleagues. 

Each month, up to four Griffin Health caregivers are selected for their efforts to improve patient satisfaction and promote Griffin’s commitment to patient-centered care. Of these ITIP winners, four are selected as finalists for the honor of Employee of the Year.

Emergency Department Named Department of the Year

The Griffin Hospital Emergency Department was honored with Department of the Year for cultivating an environment where both patients and caregivers feel valued, listened to, and cared for.

In a high-pressure environment where the Griffin ED sees more than 35,000 patients a year and every second matters, the ED reduced median wait times for all patients, time from the admission decision to inpatient departure, time to get patients into a room, time to see and its rate of patients leaving without being seen.

“These achievements underscore the Emergency Department’s dedication to delivering efficient and compassionate care to every individual they serve,” Charmel said. “The heart of the ED is its frontline team. They’ve supported expectant mothers with baby essentials, comforted children with toys, provided clothing to those in need, and celebrated birthdays for long-term patients, making them feel a sense of belonging.”

The Department of the Year is selected from the four hospital departments selected as “Department of the Quarter” by the ITIP program.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Volunteers sought for Housatonic River Cleanup in Shelton, Stratford

 

Homes for the Brave to host comedy night fundraiser in Stratford

Get Ready to Laugh for a Cause!

Comedy Night is back and bigger than ever! Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, all in support of Homes for the Brave and the Veterans we proudly serve.

Don’t wait—grab your tickets now: https://bit.ly/HFTBComedy2025

Let’s come together for a night of fun and make a difference!

Adam's House in Shelton slates fundraiser, raises S76K at 'Dancing with the Stars'

Join us for a SIP AND SHOP EVENT! THIS Thursday at 6 pm at MELLOW MONKEY 360 Sniffens Lane, Stratford Start your holiday shopping -- and a portion of all sales will be donated to Adam's House! FREE TO ATTEND Please reserve a spot HERE Over $76,000 raised at 5th Annual "Dancing with the Stars" Thanks to the talented dancers, generous sponsors, and enthusiastic attendees and supporters who helped us exceed our goal! And congratulations to Alexa Benfanti and her partner, Felix, who won the Judges' Choice Award -- Alexa is an Adam's House alum, and was in the first teen group to graduate from the "Helping Hearts Heal" program at Adam's House. We hope to see all of you in October 2025! Do you know someone who wants to support Adam's House as a "Star" dancer? Contact Noelle: noelle@adamshousect.org) EXPLORE OPEN BOARD MEMBER POSITIONS  We are starting our search for new members to join our current Board in early 2025. If you are interested in helping us build on the growth and success of Adam's House and would like to learn more about the available positions, please send an email to allison@adamshousect.org "Friends in Grief" Training Registration Open "Friends in Grief" (FIG) volunteers are always needed! Our FIGs are moderators and facilitators of the "Helping Hearts Heal" programming. Our next training session is hybrid. There is a virtual training component, and an in-person session on January 25th from 9am-3pm. Pre-registration is required. REGISTER FOR FIG TRAINING Do you know someone who could benefit from our programs? Do you know a child, adult or family in need of grief education and peer support as they navigate their grief journey? Registration for 2025 programs will open soon. Families can learn more by clicking here or visiting "Services" at adamshousect.org LIGHT UP HOPE for Adam's House As you think about year-end giving, remember that a gift to Adam's House has an immediate positive impact on our programs and allows us to continue offering NO-COST services to grieving children and their families. Keep an eye on your inbox in mid-November for information about how to support "Light Up Hope" at Adam's House.

Adam's House | 241 Coram Ave | Shelton, CT 06484 US

Nurse at Griffin Hospital in Derby honored with prestigious DAISY Award

DAISY Award recipient Elizabeth Walker, RN

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Elizabeth Walker, RN of Stratford with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. 

Winners can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends, or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.

Walker, a nurse for Griffin Hospital inpatient units, was nominated by a patient’s family member for her continual compassion and support.

“Beth is so patient and helped explain my mom’s treatment plan at a time when we were scared. She was able to answer all our questions and put us at ease,” the nomination for Walker stated. “I could see her peers love and respect Beth and look to her for direction. Her compassion for my mom and her family, her willingness to answer our questions, put us at ease and getting to know her has made this difficult time in our lives a bit easier. She is another ‘Angel on Earth.’”

Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. 

The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. 

Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

8th Annual Homes for the Brave fundraiser slated in Stratford

STRATFORD - Join Homes for the Brave for an unforgettable night at the 8th Annual "For Veterans by Veterans" Comedy Night April 5, hosted at Vazzano’s Four Seasons, 337 Kenyon St.  

Enjoy a delightful dinner, door prize, a 50/50 raffle, and a hilarious lineup of professional comics - all proud U.S. military veterans. 

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the laughter begins at 8 p.m. 

Your support helps fund vital programs for Connecticut’s Veterans facing homelessness, providing them the support needed to rebuild their lives and reach their goals. https://bit.ly/3SPT0Y7

Ansonia teen arrested today in April, 2022 homicide in city

ANSONIA - A 16-year old Ansonia resident was arrested by warrant today for involvement in the April 5, 2022 homicide of Johnny Class, police said Tuesday night.

The 16-year old was taken into custody early this morning [Tuesday] by the United States

Marshal's Fugitive Task Force in Stratford and turned over to the Ansonia Police Department. The 16-year old was detained on a $1.25 million bond. The 16-year old's identity is being withheld until the case is transferred to Milford Superior Court.

The 16-year old was charged with felony murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal attempt at robbery first degree, and conspiracy to commit robbery first degree and carrying a pistol without a permit.

This is the 3rd arrest in the homicide investigation.

The Ansonia Police Department would like to thank the United States Marshal's Fugitive Task Force and the Stratford Police Department for their assistance in this apprehension.

This is shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASES

On April 5, 2022, at about 12:50 P.M. the Ansonia Police Department received a 911 call from a male reporting he was on Main Street near Kingston Drive and his friend was shot. The first officers on scene found a silver Honda and the passenger was suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers provided first aid until an ambulance arrived and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

During the initial investigation, information was obtained that the shooting took place on Hubbell Avenue near Sixth Street. A check of that area was done and a shell casing was recovered on Hubbell Avenue. It was also learned that the shooting happened during an attempted drug purchase where the suspect fired into the Honda striking the victim. The Honda then fled the scene before stopping on Main Street and calling 911.

The victim, a 20-year old male from Stratford, has been tentatively identified and his name will be released at a later time.

The suspect was described as a young black male wearing all dark colored clothing and he left the area on foot.

The victim in the April 5, 2022 homicide in Ansonia is Johnny Class, a 20-year old Stratford resident. Chief Williams and the entire Ansonia Police Department offer our sympathy and condolences to Mr. Class’ family, friends and loved ones. The investigation into Mr. Class’ death is still active with several strong leads and we are hopeful the investigation will lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.