WFSB - Eyewitness News

Online bomb threat delays game at Dodd Stadium, man arrestedNORWICH, CT (WFSB) – A game at Dodd Stadium in Norwich was delayed after a bomb threat was made online Friday. "It was tough getting in the gate the gate didn’t open up until about ten minutes before the first pitch," Michael Homer of Deep River said Friday. Police said a bomb threat was allegedly made by James Quinn of Waterford who posted the comment in the online section of the New London Day. According to police, the threat was brought to the attention of the Norwich Police by the Mayor’s Office. Working in conjunction with Waterford Police Department, Mohegan Sun Tribal Police Department, Norwich Police Detectives were able to locate the subject who posted the initial threat. Quinn was arrested and charged with first-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace. "It’s kind of like a waste of time isn’t it?" Dominic Orsini of East Hampton said. "Come on you can do better than that." Police said the stadium was methodically searched by police and bomb detection canines, to ensure the safety of all who would be in attendance. No device was found and the venue was cleared prior to letting attendees onto the property. The game started following this delay Police said Quinn was released on a $20,00 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court Aug. 29.
Wolcott Country Fair has something for everyoneThe Wolcott Country Fair began on Friday.
Peter Fonda, star of 'Easy Rider,' dies at age 79(CNN) -- Actor and director Peter Fonda, who rose to fame with his role in "Easy Rider," died Friday, his manager, Alan Somers, told CNN. He was 79. Fonda died of respiratory failure due to lung cancer at his Los Angeles home, the family said in an emailed statement. "It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away," the family said. "... In one of the saddest moments of or lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts." Fonda was a member of the Hollywood powerhouse Fonda family, as the son of legendary actor Henry Fonda and the brother of actress and activist Jane Fonda. His daughter is actress Bridget Fonda. Jane Fonda, in a statement, reflected on her relationship with her younger brother. "I am very sad. He was my sweet-hearted baby brother. The talker of the family. I have had beautiful alone time with him these last days. He went out laughing," she said. Fonda broke out as a star with his turn in the 1969 blockbuster "Easy Rider," which marked its 50th anniversary this year. The film also starred Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper. Film critic Roger Ebert called the film "one of the rallying-points of the late '60s," saying it was a buddy picture that celebrated "sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, and the freedom of the open road." "It did a lot of repeat business while the sweet smell of pot drifted through theaters," Ebert wrote of the film in 2004. Fonda was nominated for an Academy Award for the screenplay, a nomination he shared with Hopper. "I never stopped working, thanks to 'Easy Rider,' "<a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-hy-throttle15feb15-story.html" target="_blank"> Fonda told The Los Angeles Times</a> in 2007. <a href="https://twitter.com/iamfonda?lang=en" target="_blank">His last tweet on August 9</a> referenced the film: "Easy Rider' at 50: How they put together that groundbreaking soundtrack." The family asked for privacy to grieve, but said they wished for people to "celebrate his indomitable spirit and love of life" "In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom," the family said, referencing one of Fonda's lines in "Easy Rider." Director Ava DuVernay reposted a photo she took with Fonda. "Rest in Peace, Kind Sir,"<a href="https://twitter.com/ava/status/1162496579204288513" target="_blank"> she wrote</a>. Director Rob Reiner called Fonda a "revolutionary filmmaker during a revolutionary time." "My heart goes out to Jane," <a href="https://twitter.com/robreiner/status/1162508325474279424" target="_blank">he said via Twitter.</a> His career was defined by 'Easy Rider' Born Peter Henry Fonda in New York on February 23, 1940, he started his career on Broadway in 1961 in "Blood, Sweat and Stanley Poole," <a href="http://www.playbill.com/person/peter-fonda-vault-0000095247" target="_blank">according to Playbill</a>. He directed his first film, "The Hired Hand," in 1971. He also starred in the critically acclaimed western, which was restored and premiered at the 2001 Venice Film Festival. Fonda was also nominated for a best actor Academy Award for his turn in "Ulee's Gold" in 1998. He went on to star in a number of films and television shows, though he never achieved the success of his father. But his career would forever be defined by his turn as Wyatt, with his stars-and-stripes helmet astride his motorcycle, "Captain America," in "Easy Rider," a rough-hewn character that often times reflected his personal life. Fonda's Wyatt and Hopper's Billy travel from the California-Mexico border to New Orleans in time to celebrate Mardi Gras. Fonda told the LA Times that it was his rocky relationship with his father that led him to first ride a motorcycle. "My father didn't want me to. I was like in your face," Fonda said. "As soon as I could I bought a Harley." Turner Classic Movies says "Easy Rider" on one level is the story of two drug dealers who become rich from a cocaine deal. "But the film is much more than that and shows a diverse cross section of American culture that encompasses lifestyle experimentation (the hippie commune), intolerance (the hostile locals at a backwater Louisiana diner), and wanderlust (the motorcycle becomes a symbol for freedom)." Coming to peace with his father Like his siblings, Fonda had an at-times complex relationship with his father. In a 1994 CNN interview, which came as he released his autobiography, "Don't Tell Dad," Fonda opened up about the genesis of rebellion. "It was a desire to be heard -- a father who was not communicative at all. I became quite angry as I learned that I wasn't me -- I was Henry Fonda's son. I had no idea who he was; I didn't want to be identified that way. I was demanding to be heard on my own grounds." Fonda said he was 38 before his father told him he loved him. "...and he put his hands on my shoulders and it was the oddest sensation of both him pushing me away and pulling me to him. Tears streaming down his face, he said in that beautiful Henry Fonda, non-blinking straight talk, 'I love you very much, son.' 'Well, I love you very much, dad.' And I got in my car and drove away,'" he said. The-CNN-Wire™ &amp; © 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
Wolcott Fair kicks off on FridayThe Wolcott Fair kicked off on Friday.
Univ. of New Haven students take part in Day of CaringUniversity of New Haven students took part in the Day of Caring on Friday.
Two men accused of intentionally setting car on fire in GrotonGROTON, CT (WFSB) – Two men were arrested in connection to a car fire on Friday morning. Police were dispatched to the report of an unoccupied car that was in fire in the area of Tacoma Court. The owner of the car was in the house during the time of the fire. Fire investigators determined the fire, which destroyed the 1999 Ford Mustang, to be intentionally set. Two suspects, identified as Christopher Czekala and Nehemiah Knight, were arrested in connection to the case. It was found that Knight and Czekala drove to Tacoma Court where Knight spread flammable liquid onto the car and set it on fire. Knight was charged with third-degree arson, reckless burning, and conspiracy to commit arson. Czekala was charged with third-degree conspiracy to commit arson. No one was injured in the fire.
Computer issues for US Customs is leading to long lines for international passengersThe US Customs and Border Protection computer system is down at some airports, creating long lines for arriving international travelers, the agency tweeted Friday afternoon. "CBP is experiencing a temporary outage with its processing systems at various (airports) of entry &amp; is taking immediate action to address the technology disruption," it tweeted. "CBP officers continue to process international travelers using alternative procedures until systems are back online. "CBP officers are working to process travelers as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest levels of security," it said in a second tweet. Authorities do not think there is anything nefarious about the outage, a Customs official told CNN. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York tweeted that passengers were being processed manually for now. A tweet from a woman at JFK showed a long line of passengers. "People are growing frustrated. Nothing like landing after a 10 hour flight to this," Sarah Baird wrote. The outage appears to have occurred around 3:30 p.m. ET. Micah Lillard, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said airport operations are running as normal. A tweet from Los Angeles International Airport said, "... please check with your airline for the latest status of any flight impacts." CNN's Gregory Wallace and Alisha Ebrahimji contributed to this report.
Police identify driver killed in Guilford crashGUILFORD, CT (WFSB) – One person has died as a result of a serious crash in Guilford. The crash, involving three cars, was reported just before noon on Thursday. It happened at the intersection of Route 80 and Hoop Pole Road. Police identified the driver who died as 85-year-old Richard Walkden of Guilford. Multiple injuries were reported, according to police. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is asked to contact Guilford Police at 203-453-8061.
Man who posted interest about committing mass shooting banned from CCSUNORWALK, CT (WFSB) – A Norwalk man arrested after he posted online about his interest in committing a mass shooting has been banned from a local university. The Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Center received a tip that 22-year-old Brandon Wagshol was attempting to buy large capacity rifle magazines from out of state. The Norwalk Police Department and FBI began a joint investigation. It was determined that Wagshol was buying rifle parts online in an attempt to build his own rifle. Police said he had also posted on Facebook showing his interested in committing a mass shooting. A search warrant was issued for Wagshol’s house where guns and ammunition were found. Officers seized .40 caliber handgun, .22 caliber rifle, and .300 Blackout rounds of ammunition. Body armor with a titanium plate, camouflage shirt, pants and belt, a ballistic helmet, tactical gloves, and camouflage bag and computers were also found. The guns were registered to Wagshol’s father who lives in the home, however, the firearms were accessible to Wagshol. Wagshol is a Central Connecticut State University student but has been temporarily suspended while police investigate the incident. He is banned from campus at this time. CCSU President Zulma Toro sent a letter to the CCSU community saying Wagshol attended classes and live in a residence hall last semester. "Norwalk police contacted the CCSU Police Department soon after Mr. Wagshol’s arrest, and we placed him on interim suspension pending further investigation. He is banned from campus at this time," Toro said. Toro said the CCSU Threat Assessment Team has been meeting to ensure every precaution is being taken to ensure the campus remains safe. She said they don't anticipate any issues. “We are thankful for our partnership with the FBI and fantastic teamwork that quickly brought this investigation from a tip to an arrest” said Chief Thomas Kulhawik. “I applaud the excellent work of our officers and the FBI agents that assisted and remind people, if they see something, say something.” Wagshol was arrested on four counts of illegal possession of large capacity magazines. He was held on a $250,000 bond and faced a judge on Friday.
Folks gather for vigil following New Haven shootingNEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) -- As the search continues for the person who shot and killed a West Haven man, while also seriously shooting a beloved New Haven police captain. A vigil is being held on Friday evening at the corner of Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street, for Troy Clark and Capt. Anthony Duff, and all victims of gun violence. On Monday night, <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/news/police-captain-recovering-after-being-shot-suspect-still-at-large/article_fa9b06b4-bd6f-11e9-b5c7-47d3369e0cc6.html" target="_blank">Capt. Duff was driving by Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street</a> when he saw 46-year-old Troy Clark get shot. Duff got out of his car and chased after the shooter, only to get shot a number of times himself. The suspect, described as a black man with braids, a goatee and a muscular build, took off running. "We're angry and we're determined to find this person,” said New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes. Earlier this week, Reyes highlighted the four officers who applied tourniquets and carried the captain to an ambulance, helping save his life. It was also learned that an off-duty firefighter who lives in the neighborhood, Lt. Leon Brown, heard the shots, rushed outside, and worked to save Clark. Sadly, his injuries were too severe, and he couldn’t be saved. While police said they can’t release any specific information, they point out the investigation is going well. They’re focusing all their resources to find <a href="https://www.wfsb.com/video-family-speaks-out-about-new-haven-murder-victim/video_2f38985d-9ce1-5f90-a399-19d6e1a7c120.html" target="_blank">the man who murdered Clark</a> and could have killed a beloved police captain. “This is Capt. Duff. This is a friend to the city, but a family member to us, this is a mentor to us. This is one of our own. And so, absolutely, and so as intense as we can be about something we are about capturing the person who did this,” Reyes said. Walking her niece down Henry Street on Friday, Helen Reddick said it’s a trip she thinks twice about. “It makes me afraid and I’ve been afraid walking through here,” she said. A certified nursing assistant, Reddick walks the route a few times a week, to go see a client. But she says a deadly shooting in the Dixwell neighborhood earlier this week makes her uneasy. Capt. Duff could be released from the hospital sometime early next week. Anyone with information is asked to call New Haven police.