2 face charges after video shows street robbery in Ansonia; police chief speaks out

Tashira Sparks

Carl Octavio Brown

ANSONIA - Police Wednesday arrested two individuals after video posted on social media shows a robbery Saturday on the street in front of 370 East Main St., The Spot restaurant and lounge. 

While the beginning of this case and investigation showed the downside of social media with people more interested in recording and posting the incident and not reporting it, once the video was posted there were numerous people who responded and provided information to help identify the involved parties, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release Thursday afternoon. 

The information coupled with the work of Det. Shawn Mendenhall resulted in the arrest of Tashira Sparks and Carl Octavio Brown for their involvement in the incident. Sparks was the female in the video and Brown was the male recording.

Tashira Sparks, 19, of Ansonia was charged with robbery third degree, conspiracy to robbery third degree, larceny second degree, conspiracy to larceny second degree, threatening second degree, unlawful restraint first degree, and breach of peace second degree. 

Sparks was held on a $250,000 bond and was to be arraigned today at Derby Superior Court .

Carl Octavio Brown, 29, of Bridgeport was charged with robbery third degree, conspiracy to robbery third degree, larceny second degree, conspiracy to larceny second degree, and breach of peace second degree. 

Brown was held on a $250,0000 bond and was to be arraigned today at Derby Superior Court .

The following is a statement from Chief Wayne Williams:

“Last evening, detectives and officers from the Ansonia Police Department obtained arrest warrants and took two suspects into custody for the robbery in front of The Spot in Ansonia.
As Chief of the Ansonia Police Department, I am outraged by the recent street robbery in which a victim was attacked while bystanders stood by, recording the crime for social media instead of calling for help. 

This is not just disappointing—it is disgraceful. Let me be absolutely clear: this is not an accurate depiction of the residents of the City of Ansonia. When someone is being victimized, the right thing to do is to step up—call 911, get help, do something. 

Instead, people chose to pull out their phones and chase social media attention while an innocent person was suffering. That is completely unacceptable. Criminals thrive when people choose apathy over action. 

Every second wasted recording instead of reporting puts victims at greater risk and allows criminals to escape justice. We cannot allow this kind of behavior to become normal. 

Let me also issue a challenge to our society—be better. If you see something, do something. Your phone should be a tool for calling for help, not for exploiting someone’s pain for likes, clicks and shares.

"I want to thank those that have stepped up after the fact to provide information on the suspects in this case.”

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch. 

Police arrest girl, 13, for making threat that closed Ansonia Public Schools

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police received a complaint at about 6:40 a.m. today about a threat to the Ansonia Public Schools posted on social media. 

The Ansonia Board of Education was notified and a decision was made to cancel school. 

The Patrol Division and Detective Bureau were able to interview several potential witnesses. 

During the interview process a 13-year-old female confessed to making the post and she was arrested, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.

 

The juvenile was referred to Juvenile Court for Threatening First Degree and Breach of Peace Second Degree.

Chief Wayne Williams commends the actions of the Ansonia Police Department’s Patrol Division and Detective Bureau for their quick response and coordinated effort to secure the schools and investigate the threat.

Working in conjunction with the Ansonia Board of Education and Superintendent Joseph DiBacco, we would like to release the following statement to all the parents and guardians:

"Please speak to your children about how to communicate (i.e. email, social media) in an appropriate manner. Please know that all threats to our schools or students are taken very seriously and are investigated thoroughly.
We encourage parents to speak with your child about making the right choices and the potential consequences of their actions.

"Tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 20, the Ansonia Public Schools will resume a regular schedule of classes. We appreciate your help as we work together to keep all of our students safe and help them make positive choices for themselves and our community."

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Recuperation journey: On social media and civility (or lack thereof)

My husband Ralph penned this opinion piece four years ago. It came up in my Facebook memories today.

Ansonia police arrest 2 more students in Monday's social media threat

ANSONIA - As part of the continuing investigation into the social media threat Monday involving a student at Ansonia High School, two more students were arrested, Lt. Patrick Lynch said late today in a release. 

During the course of the investigation, additional threatening messages were discovered and the involved students each admitted to their involvement in the messages. 

A 16 year-old male student and a 14 year-old female student were arrested; each was charged with Threatening First Degree and Breach of Peace Second Degree and they were referred to juvenile authorities.

 

The Ansonia Police Department strongly urges all parents to speak with their children about the importance of understanding what they say and the effect it can have on not only themselves but also all the people around them. We encourage parents to closely monitor what their children are doing online.

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

 

Social media threat forces lockdown of Ansonia High School; juvenile arrested

ANSONIA - Ansonia High School was placed into lockdown today after the Ansonia Police Department’s School Resource Officer stationed at the school was notified at 11 a.m. of a threat made on social media towards the school. 

Working in conjunction with the Ansonia Board of Education the school was placed into lockdown and students were safely dismissed from the school. 

During the investigation, a suspect was identified and placed under arrest. 

The suspect, a 14 year-old male, a student at the school, was charged with Threatening First Degree and Breach of Peace Second Degree and referred to juvenile authorities. 

This was an isolated incident, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.

Dr. Joseph DiBacco, Superintendent of Schools, released the following statement: 

“Ansonia Public Schools in collaboration with the Ansonia Police Department will not tolerate any behaviors/actions that put our students, staff, and community at risk. Today’s response was to an Ansonia student’s actions; swift and immediate action will be taken - the appropriate consequences will be administered up to and including expulsion and arrest.”

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

Logan to wish kids with cancelled parties a happy birthday on social media

Sharing from state Sen. George Logan's Facebook page:

"If your child has an upcoming birthday celebration that’s canceled or postponed, please email us at peggy.tibbals@cga.ct.gov. I’d like to wish them a happy birthday on social media!

 "Include your child’s first name and town in the email and make sure you're following my social  media accounts."

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Newsletter features thoughts on effects of social media

Dear readers,

In our latest Valley Voice newsletter my husband Ralph offers his take on the current climate on social media. 
Check it out!

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Seymour Historical Society talk to highlight history of communication

Valley Arts Council to launch new art talk show

Using social networks in job search topic of Career Coach visit to Ansonia Library

ANSONIA - Social networking has become one of the most popular ways of landing a job. 

Photo from Ansonia Library website

The American Job Search Career Coach will be at the Ansonia Library from 10 a.m-3 p.m. Aug. 25 to assist you in taking advantage of this resource in looking for a job. 
  

Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first-come, first–serve basis.  

The American Job Search Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.  

For more information, call the Ansonia Library, 203-734-6275.


This is a press release from Mary Ann Capone, Director, Ansonia Library.

Parent university scheduled in Derby

* Sharing this from the Valley Council for Health & Human Services' Facebook page.

Derby Library to host social media talk, art class, more

DERBY - The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings Mondays in May (excluding holidays) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

All skill levels are welcome. 

Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies. 

Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a life-long love for the game. 
Registration is requested. 

YA Wednesdays

The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6-7:30 p.m.
All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in May as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. 
Registration is requested. 

Social media

The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 and parents to discuss current issues regarding social media 3:30-4:30 p.m. May 7.

In a presentation by Roger Mayers of the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, participants will gain understanding and learn to avoid pitfalls that negatively impact on teens using social media. 

Watercolor workshop

The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Teen Watercolor Workshop, from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 14 and 21.

This two-session workshop will be led by Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo. All materials will be provided. 

Registration is requested. 

For more information on any programs stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult/reference librarian, Derby Public Library.

LinkedIn topic of Tech Talk at Chamber office in Shelton

*Note: Registration deadline is Monday.