WFSB - Eyewitness News

Numerous bomb threats made across the state, including schools(WFSB) -- Local and state police are investigating multiple bomb threats that have been reported in more than a dozen towns across the state, including at several schools. All of the threats so far have been sent via email. A common theme among the bomb threats is are demanding Bitcoin currency from businesses, organizations and schools around the state. Troopers on Thursday afternoon said they were investigating threats made across the state, including at Griswold Elementary, National Shooting Association in Newtown, Seybridge Plaza in Seymour, two office buildings in Bloomfield Police said Griswold Elementary School was evacuated while police investigated. The two office buildings in Bloomfield were Jefferson Radiology and Hartford Healthcare At Home. Both buildings were also evacuated. But that's not all. Four bomb threats were reported in Wallingford on Thursday, at a walk-in clinic, the library, and two more businesses. Wallingford Police Lt. Cheryl Bradley said the email threats were very generic and not specific to any businesses. Cromwell police said they received threats at four of their schools on Thursday. Police in Bristol said a threat was made to the Bristol Senior Center. Suffield police said a threat was emailed to McAlister Middle School, which was evacuated as a precaution. Another location in Waterbury reported a bomb threat as well but it is unclear exactly where at this time. Fairfield police said the country club received an email stating there was a bomb in the building and that if they did not send $20,000 in bitcoin the device would be detonated. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said they are also investigating threats made. Westport police said multiple businesses received a suspicious scam email on Thursday that attempted to extort payment from victims in Bitcoin currency. Ridgefield police also said they are investigating reports of emailed bomb threats. Police said surrounding towns reported receiving a similar email. All of the threats were made via email, and no bombs have been found at any of the locations where threats were made. It appears this is happening nationwide, not just in Connecticut. "Our Cyber Crimes Investigative Unit and Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC) are currently working to identify the source of the emails that are circulating across various agencies in the state," state police said in an email. Stay with Channel 3 as more information becomes available.
Inappropriate video prompts investigation by Southington schools, policeSOUTHINGTON, CT (WFSB) -- An investigation is underway in Southington after an inappropriate video, allegedly recorded by a student, was posted on social media. The video, which was posted on Twitter, shows a person using sexually explicit and inappropriate language, and language implying the support of violence against people of color. According to the superintendent, the statements that were made on the posting were done in private and another person in the conversation distributed publicly. The school superintendent issued a letter to parents on Thursday saying they are working with Southington police to determine if there is any involvement of a student or students from the high school. “Please note that the Southington Public Schools do not condone, support or tolerate the type of language or behavior demonstrated in the video. Any student in the Southington Public School District whose behavior is shown to be seriously disruptive of the educational process will experience disciplinary consequences consistent with Board of Education Policy and Regulation and the applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations,” school Superintendent Timothy Connellan said in the letter. At this time, no charges have been filed. Channel 3 will have more on this story on Eyewitness News starting at 5 p.m.
Bomb threats emailed to multiple locations across the country appear to be hoax, police sayBy Jay Croft, CNN (CNN/Meredith) -- Dozens of institutions across the country received email threats Thursday afternoon, causing evacuations and sweeps of buildings. At this time it unclear if the threats, which have been sent to places including the University of Washington in Seattle, throughout San Francisco and Penn State University in Pennsylvania, are connected. The FBI said it is aware of the threats and is working with law enforcement to provide assistance. In Seattle, UW noted in a campus-wide alert that the FBI had "advised that the email is not a credible threat." The university concluded sweeps of possibly affected buildings. The Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia, Washington and the Park Record newspaper in Park City, Utah, also received similarly threatening emails. People have been allowed back inside buildings at those locations, according to tweets on their verified Twitter accounts. In California, the Riverside Sheriff's Office had "an influx of email threats" and is taking them seriously, although no threat has been substantiated. The San Francisco Police Department responded to reports of bomb threats at locations throughout the city. "We have received information that several other cities across the United States have received similar threats," police said. Pennsylvania State Police are "investigating some bomb threats in the eastern part of the state," a spokesman for the department tells CNN. "Penn State University Police, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is investigating a message received by individuals in multiple locations on campus and across the state," the university said in a statement. "Police say this does not appear to be a legitimate threat, however, an investigation is ongoing." The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
New Haven school dismisses early following fireNEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - A school in New Haven dismissed early on Thursday following a fire. The New Haven fire crews were called to the Wexler-Grant School on Foote Street for the report of a fire in the school. The fire started in a bathroom in the northeast section of the building. Public schools officials said the fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported. Students were evacuated while crews worked on the scene. “All of our emergency evacuation protocols worked to a T. We evacuated the building immediately, went to or area of refuge, cooperating with our partner, Yale University, which is Ingalls Rink for this particular school. Kids were bussed back over here, safe area, able to be in the gym and auditorium," said Will Clark, of New Haven Public Schools. There were no injuries reported. Health department officials and school faculty crews have begun inspections and cleaning of the building, as well as confirming the air quality. Normal school activities will resume on Friday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
New Britain school officials identify poster of social media threatNEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) - School officials in New Britain said they have identified who posted a threat referencing a middle school in the city. Superintendent Nancy Sarra said the principal of Pulaski Middle School was made aware on Thursday morning of a photo posted to social media that implied a threat to the school. "Administration immediately locked down the school and investigated the situation," Sarra said in a statement. "The school identified those involved and took appropriate actions." She said at no time were any students or staff members in danger. No details about whoever posted the threat were made available.
Water main break causes large sinkhole in New BritainNEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) -- A large sinkhole has closed part of Chestnut Street in New Britain. Mayor Erin Stewart posted a photo of the sinkhole on Thursday morning before noon. The sinkhole was caused by a water main break in the area. Police said Chestnut Street is closed between Main and Elm streets. It is unclear how long it will take to be repaired. ‘Tis the season <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/watermainbreak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#watermainbreak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newbritain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newbritain</a> <a href="https://t.co/2JoTjpPTz3">pic.twitter.com/2JoTjpPTz3</a>— Mayor Erin Stewart (@erinstewartct) <a href="https://twitter.com/erinstewartct/status/1073253960163708929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a> Stay with Channel 3 for updates.
Suspect identified in robberies possibly connected to Hartford crashWINDSOR, CT (WFSB) – Police from two departments said they are investigating robberies that could be connected to a rollover crash in Hartford. Windsor police identified the suspect as 41-year-old Robert Shepard Jr. of Coventry. They also said he was driving a stolen car. The Xtra Mart at 404 Hartford Rd. in Manchester was robbed around 1 a.m. on Thursday, according to Manchester police. Then just after 3:45 a.m., another robbery was reported at a convenience store at 680 Poquonock Ave. in Windsor. Windsor police said a weapon was implied, but not shown. They said the clerk and the Shepard struggled. He may have gotten away with some cigarettes. Shepard fled down Interstate 91 south and Interstate 84 west with a Windsor officer in pursuit. The officer followed the suspect down a few streets. When the suspect realized he was being followed, he tried to lose the officer. His vehicle rolled over around 4 a.m. at the intersection of Farmington Avenue and Owen Street in Hartford, which led to a foot pursuit. Windsor police were able to make the arrest with the help of Hartford officers. Shepard is in custody. Manchester police said they are investigating to see if the robbery in their town is also connected that crash. Hartford, Manchester and Windsor police all responded to the crash scene. An ambulance was seen pulling away from the rollover crash when Eyewitness News first arrived on scene. The car that rolled over was described as an older model silver Toyota Camry. It was reported stolen from Southbury back on Dec. 5, Windsor police said. Shepard was the only person in the store for the Windsor robbery, but police said a woman was the vehicle at the time of that robbery and the crash. Her involvement is being looked at and she could be charged. Hartford police said a warrant will charge Shepard with motor vehicle violations related to the crash in the city. Windsor police charged him with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, interfering with an officer, third-degree larceny for the stolen car, engaging an officer in a pursuit, reckless driving and criminal impersonation. Stay with Channel 3 for updates as they continue to come into the newsroom.
Snow showers leave dusting in parts of the state todayHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Snow showers worked through parts of the state on Thursday. Meteorologist Mark Dixon said it's been so cold that where the snow fell, it had the potential to stick. "Snow showers will be scattered throughout the state [Thursday], with little, 1 inch or less, to no accumulation," Dixon said. "Where this happens we can expect slick travel." Track the showers with Early Warning Pinpoint Doppler <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/weather/pinpoint_doppler_livestream/" target="_blank">here</a>. Temperatures for Thursday should range from 28 to 35 degrees. By the evening, most places should drop into the 20s. Friday will be milder. "While there could be some drizzle or an isolated shower, the chances for rain go up at night and last into the first half of Saturday," Dixon said. Regardless of the expected cloud cover, parts of the state should see temperatures reach into the 40s. By Friday night, steady rain arrives. The coastal storm will bring rain to the state on Saturday, but the heaviest rain will remain well offshore, closer to the storm center. Rain may tend to taper off during the afternoon, but the sky will remain cloudy. Highs will again be in the 40s. Parts of the coast may even see 50 degrees. "Our latest model runs are indicating another round of rain, potentially, for Sunday, with temps trending a bit cooler," Dixon said. "Next week could start off with some snow showers Monday, otherwise things looks fairly quiet through Thursday." Read the complete technical discussion <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/weather/technical_discussion/" target="_blank">here</a>. For weather updates on smartphones and tablets, head <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/site/station_info/apps" target="_blank">here</a> or text "WFSB" to 23765 to download the Channel 3 app.
MA probation officer charged with stalking CT state trooperHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A probation officer in Massachusetts is accused of stalking a Connecticut state trooper in Enfield. Marcus Cameron, 32, of Enfield, is being charged with third-degree stalking. Enfield police said they responded the Brookside Plaza on Route 190 back on Nov. 12. The trooper reported that he was being followed by a former neighbor. When officers arrived, Cameron was still in his vehicle in the northwest corner of the lot. The whole situation started after the trooper tried to discuss Cameron's driving in their neighborhood, according to police documents. The trooper sought to solve the issue without involving law enforcement. However, the documents stated that Cameron became loud and started yelling at the trooper. An internal affairs investigation was launched against the trooper in turn, after complaints from Cameron to state police. The complaints, which started to be filed in May, were determined to be unfounded. Over course of several days at the end of May, police documents show that Cameron drove by the trooper's home in what was described as a threatening and intimidating manner by neighbors. After Cameron was notified about the unfounded status of his complaints, he started following the trooper on Nov. 12. The trooper provided video from his cruiser of Cameron in his vicinity at various times. When Enfield officers questioned Cameron at the Brookside Plaza, he refused to provide his identification, never fully answered questions and claimed that the trooper was the one following him. However, he did tell police that he felt "uncomfortable being around him." Cameron also told police that he lived in Massachusetts, which was not true. Records show he lives on the same street as the trooper's old home, which he eventually confirmed. On Nov. 15, Cameron was served a civil protection order ex parte. It said that Cameron is not to assault, threaten, abuse, harass, follow, interfere with or stalk the trooper. He must also stay 100 yards away. The trooper said he installed cameras as a means of protection for his family. He has also since moved away from the home.
Wyman to chair state Democratic PartyHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - State Democrats made an announcement about the future of their party's leadership. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said she has accepted becoming the chair of the state Democratic Party. Democratic state party chair Nick Balletto and Gov.-elect Ned Lamont were on hand for the announcement on Thursday morning. "Nick and I work together like this," Lamont said. "After that primary he was a great leader for the party but we are starting up a new government and I thought it was time to make a change here in the party." It happened at the Lyceum in Hartford at 10 a.m. Lamont has been <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/news/gov--elect-lamont-announces-transition-team/article_92469034-e34e-11e8-8d3f-9ff4158feaf2.html" target="_blank">announcing transition team members</a> and other posts since winning the governor's race in November.