WFSB - Eyewitness News

Woman in her 80s struck and killed by car in West HartfordWest Hartford Police said a woman in her 80s was struck and killed by a car on Park Rd. on Sunday evening. Crews are responding to the collision which took place in the area of 165 Park Rd. on Sunday at 8:01 p.m. The victim was taken to the hospital where police said she passed. Police said the woman was in her 80s, but her exact age and identity have not yet been released. Police said the driver who struck the woman remained on scene and is cooperating with police. Emergency responders remain on scene. There is no word on the presence or the extent of injuries. Stay with Channel 3 for updates.
Hartford Archdiocese to release names of clergy accused of abuseThe Hartford Archdiocese said the names of ‘credibly accused’ clergy will be reviewed and released in January 2019. The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair issued a statement last Saturday following the recommendations of the Bishops’ National Review Board, that the Archdiocese of Hartford will release “the names of archdiocesan clergy who have been the object of lawsuits and legal settlements, or otherwise credibly accused.” The Most Reverend Blair said he anticipates a further independent review of all clergy file dating back to 1953. “Finally, the Archdiocese will be publishing the financial outlay that has been made as a result of the abuse of minors by clergy and the sources of these funds,” added the Most Reverend Blair. The Most Reverend Blair closed his statement, adding there will be three masses scheduled in order to allow parishioners to remedy “this great scandal and tragedy that has seriously wounded so many people….”
Car crash prompts police to close I-91SB in CromwellState troopers closed a portion on I-91 Southbound in Cromwell as crews investigate a car crash on Sunday afternoon. Police said the highway was closed Exits 22N and 21 just after 3 p.m. on Sunday. Police are urging drivers to seek an alternate route around the crash. The presence or extent of injuries is unknown at this time.
Early Warning Weather Alert: Icy conditions possible Sunday night and Monday morningThe Meteorologists at Channel 3 are issuing An Early Warning Weather Alert as the state is expected to see a minor accumulation of ice and snow late Sunday and Monday morning. By Sunday evening, meteorologist Mike Cameron said widespread rain is falling across the state. As the night progresses, Cameron expects a low-pressure system to usher in colder air from the northwest. Cameron said he expects the colder air to creep into the state around midnight and create snow in higher elevations inland. "With the below-freezing temperatures returning wile roads are wet, black ice will be possible throughout the state, especially after 3 or 4 a.m. Monday morning’s commute may be impacted, especially if your ride is on secondary roads," said Cameron. Track the rain with the interactive radar <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/weather/radar/" target="_blank">here</a>. Although Cameron said the passing storms will not result in much accumulation, the cold temps merit the Alert. Inland regions in Connecticut may see a coating on the roads to an inch or two. Areas over the border in central Massachusetts and eastern New York could see several inches of snow. The rain is expected to dissipate by 9 a.m., where plain rain and showers become more dominant. Monday is expected to be partly to mostly cloudy with highs in the 40s. Cameron said there is a chance for a snow or rain shower in the afternoon as cold air sweeps across the Northeast region. Cameron is predicting a partly sunny, windy and cold Tuesday as wind gust could reach upwards of 40 mph. Wednesday won’t be as windy as Tuesday, Cameron said, but is expected to be mostly sunny and chilly. 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.
Hartford organizations host toy giveaway SundayHARTFORD, CT (WFSB)- A citywide toy giveaway will be held in Hartford on Sunday. Local organizations along with Hartford law enforcement have teamed up to create Santa’s workshop in the city. They are expecting to give away more than a thousand toys. There are toys for all ages. Each child hand picks their gift with a ticket they receive. “I think it’s bigger than we all expected it to be, we have lots of toys, we have lots more coming in,” said Janice Castle, President of the Urban League of Greater Hartford Young Professionals. Hartford police officer Tyrell Jenkins enjoys working with the giveaway. “If you give them something, a little something to make them happy, it makes you happy too.” The event is being held for Hartford residents only. To receive toys a parent or guardian must bring a drivers license, other form of identification, or a utility bill that confirms a Hartford address. The giveaway will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday at Hartford City Hall, located at 550 Main Street.
Two killed in early morning crash in North StoningtonNORTH STONINGTON, CT (WFSB)- Police identified the two victims who were killed in a crash on Sunday morning in North Stonington on I-95. Police said Lorna Valcin, 26, of Braintree, Massachusetts, and Eric Ramakers, 37, of Pheonix, Arizona, were pronounced dead on scene. Officials responded to the two car crash just before 1 a.m. this morning. Police said Jose Gonzalez, 38, of Groton, was driving north in the southbound lanes of I-95. His car collided with Valcin’s vehicle, which was travelling south near Exit 91, police said. Police said Stephane Francois, 26, of Brockton, Massachusetts, was operating Valcin’s car. Police said she was taken to Rhode Island Hospital via Life Star with serious injuries. Police said Jerome Aullychard, 26, of Elmont, New York, who was riding in Valcin’s car, was also taken to Rhode Island Hospital via Life Star with serious injuries. Gonzalez sustained serious injuries and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by ambulance, police said. The highway was closed until around 6:30 this morning as a result of the crash. State Police Troop E urges any witnesses of the crash to call them at 860-848-6500. Stay with Channel 3 for updates.
Wallingford police investigate photo which circulated among studentsWallingford police investigated after a photo which circulated among street raised concern over school administrators. Police said, “an image of a student, had been circulating amongst a group of students,” prompted school officials to contact police on Friday just after 7:30 p.m. Police said investigators determined the image had been “captured, altered, and re-published within this group of students.” Police determined, “the image did not contain any specific threats, school names, or student names, and did not rise to the level of criminal conduct.” Wallingford Police said the department continues to work closely with the Wallingford Board of Education to maintain the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and integrity of school buildings.
Hartford and New Haven host “gun buy back” events on SaturdayMore than 250 guns were turned in to the Hartford and New Haven Police Departments on Saturday for the annual “gun buy back” events. Four assault rifles, dozens of revolvers, pistols, rifles, and shotgun were brought in to be exchanged for Stop &amp; Shop gift cards. Portland resident, Sue Wacht told Channel 3 she was relieved to get the gun off her hands. “I had a shotgun,” said Wacht. “It was loaded one time, but never shot.” In exchange, Wacht and others who turned in their weapon received gift cards ranging from $25 to $200. “As the years have gone by with all the mass shootings and everything, I got to get this out of the house,” said Wacht. Police said a total of 137 weapons were collected at the 10th annual Gun Buy Back in the Capital region at the Community Renewal Team, more than double of that collected last year. “It is an anonymous opportunity to turn in a gun,” said Community Renewal Team representative, Jason Black. “It helps to make our streets and our homes a safer place.” Hartford Police will catalogue the guns and make sure they’re disposed of properly. Hartford Police Department Paul Cicero told Channel 3 they want dangerous weapons off the streets. “There’s a lot of violence in the city in regard to unwanted firearms, unsecured firearms that are being placed in the wrong hands,” said Lt. Cicero. The Gun Buy Back event is also in collaboration with the hospitals in each city. St. Francis Hospital Chair of Emergency Management, Steven Wolf said the event puts just as much emphasis on education the public on gun safety. “It’s an uphill battle and there are so many guns here and there are so many ways to keep things safer and that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Wolf. All in all, Wacht said she is glad to have the weapon off her hands. “I’m glad to be rid of it.” In New Haven, police said 125 guns were collected on Saturday, and over than years, police said nearly 800 guns have been collected.
Access Health CT extends open enrollment period to JanuaryAccess Health CT announced on Saturday that the insurer will extend its Open Enrollment period to January. The insurer said the extension adds another month for residents to acquire health insurance following the original deadline of December 15th to ensure coverage starting February 1st. Representatives with Access Health CT said the decision came after a Texas federal district court judge ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional because of the changes to the “individual mandate” clause by Congress. Representatives said the ruling would not affect Connecticut residents who choose to enroll and receive health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. “Access Health CT is the official marketplace under the Affordable Care Act in Connecticut and we are committed to upholding the ACA and the support it provides to the residents of our state,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. Access Health CT customers who are enrolled for plans lasting until January, but are interested in changing coverage, still owe their January premiums, representatives said. More Open Enrollment Fairs will be held throughout January. In Hamden, residents can enroll at the Keene Community Center Gym on Pine Street from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8th, 2019. In East Hartford, customers, residents can enroll at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center Gym on Chapman Place form 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 12th. In Bridgeport, residents can enroll at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Cancer Center 4th floor Conference Room on Main Street from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15th. For more information, visit: <a href="http://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/RzDHC4x2xGsBBJ4D6UXDEgl?domain=email.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">www.AccessHealthCT.com</a>
Police investigate bank robbery in VernonVERNON, CT (WFSB)- Police are currently investigating a robbery that took place Saturday morning in Vernon. A suspect took an undisclosed amount of money from Berkshire Bank, located at 435 Hartford Turnpike. Police are still working to identify the suspect. He is described as a white male between the ages of 35 and 40. The robbery occurred around 9:10 a.m. this morning. There were no customers in the building during the robbery. Two employees were working when the man entered the bank. The drive thru and inside of the bank will be closed for the next few hours as police investigate. Vernon Police urges anyone with information to call them at 860-872-9126. Stay with Channel 3 for updates.