Man Arrested after Threatening Woman with Knife Downtown Today; Held on $250,000 Bond

Westport Police Department

At approximately 11:14am on the morning of September 12, 2021, the Westport Police Department’s emergency dispatch center was contacted by a couple who were the victims of an alleged robbery attempt that occurred on the Ruth Cohen Steinkraus Post Road Bridge. At nearly the same time the caller’s husband flagged down a patrol officer who was driving by. 

It was reported that a male party had approached the couple quickly from behind. The suspect then began walking in step with the male victim at which time he told the couple to bring him to their car. He repeated the demand as he allegedly brandished a knife and threatening the female. The female then darted across the Post Road evading cars in order to escape. Her husband followed at which time the suspect then fled the area walking eastbound towards Jesup Road. Fortunately, neither of the victims were injured.

The victims were able to provide a detailed description of the suspect which was relayed to all of the responding officers. Patrol units began to saturate the area from all directions in an effort to locate the suspect. While officers were searching the area a member of the Westport Fire Department advised that he had seen a suspect fitting the descriptors in the area of 302 Post Road East. Officers were on scene within moments and located an individual who fit the description provided by the victims. The suspect was then identified as James S Cummings, age 41, of Bridgeport, CT. Cummings matched all of the physical descriptors provided and was then detained by officers where a knife was then located on his person. The victims purportedly identified Cummings as the individual who accosted them on the bridge. 

Cummings was placed under arrest and charged with Attempt to Commit Robbery in the 1st Degree, Attempt at Larceny in the 3rd Degree, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, and Threatening in the 2nd Degree. He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.

In response to the events that unfolded today Police Chief Foti Koskinas stated “I am extremely proud of all the officers who assisted with this incident. The high level of skill and teamwork they exhibited led to the quick apprehension of the suspect. Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Westport Fire Department for their assistance.”

Cummings had been out on bond at the time of this incident stemming from an arrest that occurred on September 5, 2021, in which he was charged with Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree (2 Counts), Threatening in the 2nd Degree, Attempt to Commit Assault in the 3rd Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree. 

Car Accident Reported on Merritt Parkway Southbound between Exits 44 and 42

An accident with possible serious injuries has been reported on the Merritt Parkway in the Southbound lanes, prior to Exit 42. Traffic will be slowed in the area as both Westport and Fairfield first responders are en route. No other information has been released.

Westport High Water Rescue Truck Goes to Work Overnight

Westport’s high water rescue truck was deployed overnight as flash floods quickly overtook several roadways -stranding motorists in its path. Assistance was given to one vehicle that was stuck on Morningside Drive North near Post Road East. Motorists were advised to stay off of the roadways throughout the storm as a Flash Flood Emergency was announced for our region by the National Weather Service’s New York City office - one of only two times one has ever been declared.

Westport Fire Department photo. 

Trees Down, Vehicles Stuck as Local Roads Flood

Westport first responders have began to experience calls to service for vehicles stuck on local roadways, roadways becoming impassable due to flooding, or trees down over roadways. No major closures have been reported as of 11:20 tonight, however drivers are advised to remain home as conditions deteriorate. The Sherwood Island Connector was closed for a short time earlier in the night as a large tree blocked both lanes, requiring the State Department of Transportation to clear the roadway. Vehicles have been reported stuck on both ends of Westport as flash floods continue.