WFSB - Eyewitness News

Local police offer advice to avoid workplace shootingsSUFFIELD (WFSB) - It's understandable that people would try not to dwell on the horrific sights from aurora Illinois. But law enforcement agents say the truth is you shouldn't ignore this latest mass shooting. Learn from it. "The time to think about what you are going do in a crisis isn't when it's developing in front of you," Suffield Police Captain Christopher McKee said Friday. McKee says it's a good thing that children learn what to do during an active shooter situation through drills at school. But the truth is their parents are much more likely to be the victims of a mass shooting. "The majority of mass shooter incidents are at the workplace," McKee said. "And they involve work place violence. It is something that adults should think about and have awareness about." McKee says if you are ever encounter an active shooter try to run away. If you can't do that hide, and finally prepare to fight. He also said to call 911 right away because typically only police can bring these situations to a close. "Generally, what we see - individuals that are committing these heinous crimes, they're not going to stop," McKee said. The rise in mass shootings has also impacted police departments. Decades ago investigators would first secure the perimeter of an active shooter scene and wait for a swat team, now the 1st priority is taking out the shooter. "We are going in there because those seconds can save lives," McKee said. McKee hopes one day images like the ones coming from Aurora will become a rarity, but until and unless that happens remember the public and police can't ignore them. Hopefully we'll channel our grief and learn. "Things change and society changes and the law enforcement branch of government we have to respond to that," McKee said. For more information, please <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0" target="_blank">take a look at this video</a>, produced by the Department of Homeland Security.
Police investigating after person struck by carFARMINGTON (WFSB) - Police are investigating a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian late Friday. According to officials, a vehicle struck the person in the area of 76 Main Street. Police did not say if there were injuries, but said one person was transported to an area hospital. Stay with Eyewitness News for more information as soon as it becomes available.
Local non-profit helping startup companies in HartfordHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A local nonprofit called Reset is growing entrepreneurship and innovation in Hartford. The group just accepted 15 new companies into their accelerator program. Tucked inside a converted warehouse in Hartford, you’ll find local entrepreneurs like Eliana Cardeno. “This is Kiyomi Beauty,” said Cardeno. From sheet masks to eye cream, her business focuses on Korean beauty and skincare items delivered to your door in a convenient bi-monthly subscription box. “I was living in Korea and it started to learn more and more about Korean skincare products. I think it’s important to build a really good skincare routine and it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to do it,” said Cardeno. She’s just one of 15 entrepreneurs accepted into Reset’s accelerator program. The managing director says Reset focuses on impact driven business. “One core piece is an accelerator program which is a 4-month long intensive really try to help companies that are already operational figure out what they need to do to get to the next level,” said Sarah Bodley, Managing Director at Reset. During the 4-month accelerator program, companies also compete for $20,000. Back in 2016, Adam Lazar got first place with his product Asarasi. “We extract the sugar out of the maple sap and what you have is a pure maple sap byproduct which is sugar free pure plant-based water,” said Lazar. Now you can find Asarasi on store shelves across the country and he’s formed partnerships as far away as japan and Australia. Lazar says Reset helped shape his businesses’ identity. “There’s a community here that fosters innovation and it’s very rare to find that in other states,” said Lazar. For information on Asarasi, click <a href="http://Ireland's%20Great%20Hunger%20Museum%20is%20dedicated%20to%20Ireland's%20past" target="_blank">here</a>. As for Cardeno, she hopes Reset will help launch her business and social message on beauty. “I wanted to create an affordable product for people to not only get products but learn and educate themselves to feel more confident,” Cardeno said. For more information on Reset, click <a href="https://resetco.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. For information on Kiyomi Beauty, click <a href="http://www.kiyomibeauty.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.
Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz visits independent living center that helps people with disabilitiesHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - People with disabilities are urging state lawmakers to help them be independent. One non-profit says funding has been cut nearly $300,000, which is money that's needed to help people live on their own instead of nursing homes. Independent living centers help hundreds of disabled people. When you hear their stories, you can understand why this money is so important to them. "Not only do I get to be a productive member of society, but I get to give back,” said Jade Vail. Jade Vail had a special visitor, Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut's Lieutenant Governor. The Hartford location is one of five independent living centers. Those with all kinds of disabilities learn how to shop, apply for benefits, and get job training. Vail went there to get help, she was homeless, but now she works here. "We want to live the same lives as everyone else. We want to be independent and productive,” said Vail. Getting though life with cerebral palsy has been challenging but not enough to keep Vail from what's most important, living on her own. State budget cuts have hurt some on their services. "These are exciting stories and I think it’s important to have public private partnerships,” said Bysiewicz. "Not only do we save the state money by providing services at the independent living centers, but we give people a sense of independence,” said Jaclyn Pinney, Independence Unlimited. The executive director for independence unlimited says it would cost much more to place people in nursing homes. That is not the way Melissa Thompson wants to live. She went blind in her 20s, she has a family and also work at the center. "It's helped me a lot. Instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for yourself, just having these skills is very important,” said Thompson. People like Thompson help others who are disabled learn to pay bills, schedule rides and use public transportation. They're hoping the budget coming out next week restores their funding.
Lawmaker looking to ban artificial turf fields across the stateHARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Cities and towns across the state use artificial turf fields and now one state lawmaker wants to ban them. There has been much controversy over these fields on whether they can cause health problems. There are some who want to ban these fields, especially those made with rubber from tires. But others say there are no studies that back up claims they are health hazards. The controversy over artificial turf is heating up across the state. Ellington voters rejected plans for an artificial turf last year because they were concerned about the cost and health effects. "I think a lot of people are concerned with this issue about plastic with the environment,” said Representative David Michel. State Representative David Michel, a newly elected Democrat, wants to ban artificial fields. He says lawmakers should know more about chemicals from pieces of recycled tires being used. "All the chemicals that go into crumb rubber fields are toxic,” Michel said. His bill sparked quite a debate as members on the Environmental Committee heard from both sides. Supporters of the fields say they may be costly, but they last longer and are cheaper to maintain. Unlike natural grass fields, which can flood and are expensive to maintain, turf fields can be used a lot more "There is evidence that grass fields have a higher rate of injury,” said Fred Balsamo. Fred Balsamo, from the CT Association of Athletic Directors supports artificial fields and says there is no proof these fields are harmful. "I am all about kids. I have grandchildren, a lot of children using these fields and the last thing we want to do is put them at risk,” said Balsamo. If there was a ban, the bill doesn't require current fields to be replaced.
Woodbridge dog recovering after being attacked in own homeWOODBRIDGE, CT (WFSB) - A dog attacked inside his own home. It happened in Woodbridge, where animal control officers are not only investigating, but also helping nurse the dog back to health. Some may find the images disturbing. Animal control officers in Woodbridge said this dog suffered a vicious attack and they have reason to believe it wasn’t the first time either. With his tail wagging, “Caymen” curiously checks out the Channel 3 camera, showing just how far he’s come in the last week. Woodbridge Animal Control Officer Ashley Sakelarakis said last Thursday she was called to a house in town for a dog attack. When she got there, the homeowner was restraining one of their dogs, while Caymen was cowering in the corner of a garage. “His mouth was completely bloodied, he had numerous puncture wounds all over his body and on the front left leg, he had just this puncture that ripped open. You saw all the muscles. It was bad,” said Sakelarakis. He was rushed to the vets, undergoing a 2-hour surgery to treat his 25 puncture wounds. “A canine tooth was ripped from his jaw and he had muscle and tissue showing on his chest and legs,” Sakelarakis said. The homeowner ended up surrendering the six-year-old dog to the animal control office, but during their investigation, officers tell us they learned the same dog that attacked Caymen, had previously attacked another family dog. After hearing that and adding they could also see older wounds on Caymen, they said their investigation is still open. “We are exploring our legal options at this time,” said Sakelarakis. As for Caymen, he’s recovering, and this week, started coming out of his shell. “You just had to talk really soft, move really slow and within the days, he started to wag his tail. It’s the little things that count. He’s wagging his tail now, he’s smiling. He’s amped up his energy,” said Sakelarakis. For now, their main concern is that he heals up both physically and mentally. It’s a long process, but down the road he’ll eventually be up for adoption. Sakelarakis says she’d like to see him go to a home with a fenced in yard, and also in a spot where there are no other dogs, so he gets the attention he deserves. “He’s still cautious, but he’s definitely gaining some confidence back and its really good to see,” Sakalarakis said. Woodbridge animal control says with a tight budget they’re always looking for help when it comes to medicine and medical costs needed for rescued dogs like Caymen. They’re a recognized charity and if you’d like to help, click <a href="https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1523622" target="_blank">here</a>. If you are interested in sending a check, they can be made payable here: One Big Dog Animal Respite Fund 135 Bradley Road Woodbridge, CT 06525
Gunman kills 5, wounds 5 police and more at Illinois businessAURORA, Ill. (AP) — An employee of a manufacturing company opened fire at its suburban Chicago plant Friday, killing five people and wounding five police officers before he was fatally shot, police said. Aurora, Illinois, Police Chief Kristen Ziman identified the gunman as 45-year-old Gary Martin and said he was believed to be an employee at the Henry Pratt Co. — which makes valves for industrial purposes — in the city about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago. She told a news conference that officers arrived within four minutes of receiving reports of the shooting and were fired upon as soon as they entered the 29,000-square-foot manufacturing warehouse. Police said they did not know the gunman's motive. "May God bless the brave law enforcement officers who continue to run toward danger," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at the news conference. Hospitals reported treating at least seven patients from the shooting, though their conditions weren't released. Two of the officers were airlifted to trauma centers in Chicago, Ziman said. She said a sixth officer suffered a knee injury. Officials did not say the total number of people injured including police and civilians. Dozens of first responder vehicles converged on the building housing the company in Aurora after police received multiple calls about an active shooter at 1:24 p.m. CST. Several ATF teams also responded to the shooting and were at the scene, according to the agency's Chicago spokeswoman, and the FBI said it also responded. John Probst, an employee at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, told ABC7 that he ran out of the back door as the shooting unfolded Friday afternoon. Probst says he recognized the gunman and that he works for the company. "What I saw was the guy running down the aisle with a pistol with a laser on it," Probst said. Probst said he wasn't hurt but that another colleague was "bleeding pretty bad." "It's a shame that mass shootings such as this have become commonplace in our country. It's a shame that a cold and heartless offender would be so selfish as to think he has the right to take an innocent life," Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin said. At Acorn Woods Condominiums where Martin lived, a mix of brick apartments and condos nestled on a quiet street just a mile and a half from the shooting, neighbors gathered on sidewalks near Martin's unit talking and wondering among themselves if they knew or had come in contact with him. Mary McKnight stepped out of her car with a cherry cheesecake purchased for her son's birthday, to find a flurry of police cars, officers and media trucks. "This is a strange thing to come home to, right," she said. She had just learned that the shooter lived close by and his unit in the complex had been taped off by police. The White House said President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting and monitoring the situation as he prepared to depart for a weekend trip to his home in Palm Beach, Florida. <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1096547516290543617">Trump tweeted</a> his thanks to law enforcement officers in Aurora and offered his condolences to the victims and their families. "America is with you," he said. Presence Mercy Medical Center was treating two patients and a third had been transferred by helicopter to another hospital, spokesman Matt Wakely said. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital each had one patient from the shooting, spokeswoman Kate Eller said. Rush Copley Medical Center received three patients from the shooting and all are being treated for non-life threatening injuries, spokeswoman Courtney Satlak said.
2 arrested during prostitution investigation at Glastonbury duplexGLASTONBURY, CT (WFSB) - Police executed a search warrant at a duplex in Glastonbury on Friday as part of a prostitution investigation. Two people were taken into custody at the home on House Street. Police identified them as Danielle Wilson, 31, and 46-year-old Eric Drake. Wilson was charged with criminal attempt to commit prostitution. Drake was charged with second-degree promoting prostitution and criminal possession of body armor. Neighbors reported seeing a lot of officers going in and out of the duplex on Friday morning. "Just a lot of traffic. I think there was some prostitution going on there and just a lot of people coming in and out, drug use," said Elyse Simpson, a neighbor. Glastonbury police said they investigated several tips, which led to these arrests. "We've been investigating for several months at this address based on some complaints that we had from the community," said Lt. Corey Davis, Glastonbury Police Department. Police continued to urge anyone with information about suspicious activity to give them a call at 860-652-4260 or through their anonymous tip line at 860-657-3784. Eyewitness News has a crew on the scene. Refresh this page and watch Channel 3 for updates. Danielle Wilson
Doctor talks about costs and benefits of flu drug(WFSB) - We hope you don’t, but if you catch the flu there’s a good chance the doctor will prescribe Tamiflu. It’s an anti-viral drug that’s highly effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms, but it’s not cheap. It all really depends on a person’s insurance plan, but out of pocket it can cost well over $100 and that’s for the generic. “I just felt really fatigued my legs started to really cramp up. I got a headache, really bad nasal congestion,” said Jessica Dubay of Newington. If symptoms weren’t proof enough, Jessica Dubay’s lab results did. “It came back positive B, which is apparently not a very good flu to have,” said Dubay. Her doctor prescribed Tamiflu. If taken within the first 48 hours, the anti-viral drug greatly reduces the amount of time you feel sick. “It ended up being pretty costly. It was about $130 but I really wanted to feel better, so I ended up paying the full $130,” Dubay said. Dr. Kimberly Gygi says the cost of Tamiflu fluctuates. “Insurance plans are changing, suppliers change, lots of different factors go into the price,” said Gygi. A local pharmacist says with insurance Tamiflu can cost between 50 to 100 dollars, and without insurance the generic is $150. Gygi tells her patients to use websites and apps for discounts. “The big one is GoodRX. I like to use that one. It’ll give you a list of pharmacies and cost and a coupon code you just show the pharmacist and you’ll know the price you’ll be paying before you get to the pharmacy,” Gygi said. In Connecticut this flu season, <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/news/more-deaths-in-ct-linked-to-flu-bringing-total-this/article_5ca10ed4-304a-11e9-a59d-2f63b78e9518.html" target="_blank">25 people have died from the virus</a>. “You can’t mess around with the flu it’s so dangerous,” Gygi said. And more than 3,800 lab tests have come back positive. “With the Tamiflu it did help with the symptoms. I felt better within the first 24 hours afterwards,” said Dubay. If you catch the flu check with your doctor, they may have coupons for Tamiflu.
President to sign emergency declarationWASHINGTON (WFSB) - Some federal employees in Connecticut said they're breathing a sigh of relief after a bill was passed to keep the government funding. However, a new point of contention has developed in Washington. Friday morning, President Donald Trump said <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/trump-says-he-s-declaring-national-emergency-to-build-border/article_79504ca6-d152-56a4-9b10-8ccb2bcc2b95.html" target="_blank">he's going to sign a national emergency declaration</a> to get funding for border security. He began making his remarks around 10:30 a.m. "We have an invasion of drugs and criminals coming into this country," Trump said during his news conference. Trump said the declaration papers were ready, he just needed to finish signing them. Congress passed the <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/news/mcconnell-trump-will-sign-funding-bill-declare-a-national-emergency/article_29fc4fea-4c57-504f-971f-670fdd6e0704.html" target="_blank">comprehensive spending and border security bill</a> on Thursday night to avoid another government shutdown. The White House said Trump will sign to the bill into law to ensure <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/news/local-federal-employees-relieved-after-president-trump-signs-funding-bill/article_4b93ef2a-30d2-11e9-bfea-7378a51f5532.html" target="_blank">government emp</a><a href="https://www.wfsb.com/news/local-federal-employees-relieved-after-president-trump-signs-funding-bill/article_4b93ef2a-30d2-11e9-bfea-7378a51f5532.html" target="_blank">loyees get their pay</a>. The bill includes $1.4 billion for border fencing, which is far short of the $5.7 billion the president wanted for a wall. That's why the White House said the president plans to declare the national emergency at the southern border. Trump claims it's a humanitarian crisis. The declaration gives the president the authority to seize property and redirect funding without Congressional approval. "Moving things around and we're doing things that are fantastic and taking from far less, really from far less important areas," Trump explained. Democrats plan to challenge the declaration. It's expected to be immediately contested in federal court. "We will not have an end line run around the Congress of the United States," said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat. A recent CBS News poll said two-thirds of Americans think Trump should not declare a national emergency. Both Democrats and Republicans have opposed it. Connecticut lawmakers reacted to the news shortly after the president's news conference. “I strongly oppose [the] president’s announcement that he will misuse emergency powers to divert military construction funding to pay for a border wall," said Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat representing Connecticut's 2nd District. "Simply stated, this is not a proper use of the President’s authority and will harm rather than strengthen our national security." The state Senate's president pro tempore called the declaration a dangerous precedent. “Declaring a national emergency for one party’s pet project to satisfy the far right is a dangerous precedent that not only undermines the United States Constitution but also raises serious questions for Connecticut," said Sen. Martin Looney, a Democrat. "The raid of federal funding from the Pentagon and the Treasury Department to pay for the Republican’s wall should have all Connecticut state officials concerned on how this will impact eastern Connecticut and our submarine base, Sikorsky, Pratt &amp; Whitney, and funding for Medicare and Medicaid. President Trump has mortgaged his presidency to his vanity and created peril for our democracy in doing so.” Rep. Jahana Hayes said she voted in favor of Thursday night's bipartisan bill but remains opposed to the declaration. “I am disheartened to hear that President Trump is circumventing this negotiated agreement and would prefer instead to declare a national emergency that will usurp and defy the will of Congress – a coequal branch of government – to fulfill a campaign promise," Hayes said. "It is the job of Congress to allocate funding and President Trump should not initiate this power grab of declaring an emergency where one does not actually exist.” Stay with Channel 3 for updates.