Southport’s WAFU Surrenders Liquor License following June Shooting
Fairfield Police Department Press Release: In the aftermath of the WAFU Asian Bistro (3671 Post Road – Southport) shooting incident, which occurred on June 19, 2022, the Fairfield Police Department submitted a request for Summary Suspension of the Liquor License to the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
Today, we were informed by the Department of Consumer Protection, Liquor Control Division that the permittee has voluntarily surrendered their liquor permit.
They will NO LONGER BE PERMITTED TO SERVE ALCOHOL.
Any violations of law, which occurred on that date and previous are still under investigation by the Department of Consumer Protection.
The Fairfield Police Department would like to thank the DCP for all of their hard work and dedication in this case to ensure that the residents of Fairfield maintain their quality of life and that establishments are functioning within the confines of the law.
Westport Police Assist at Fairfield Shooting; 15 Year Old Announced Dead
Fairfield Police Department Press Release: UPDATE:
Following the positive identification of the victim and notification of family, the Fairfield Police identify the victim from last evening’s homicide as:
Zion Burton, 15, of Bridgeport
Zion’s 16th birthday would have been on 07/15/2022 and on behalf of Chief Robert Kalamaras and the entire Fairfield Police Department, we offer our most sincere condolences to Zion’s family. Our investigators are working diligently, pursuing several leads to apprehend the person(s) responsible.
Again, we ask anyone who may have information leading to the death of Zion, please contact the Fairfield Police Detective Bureau at 203-254-4840 or anonymous tips can be sent following the instructions below.
First Release:
On Saturday July 9, 2022 at approximately 10:30pm the Fairfield Police Emergency Communications Center received several 911 calls reporting shots fired at the banquet hall to Calvin United Church located on Kings Hwy East near Hibiscus Street.
First arriving officers located an unresponsive male victim in the hall and immediately began life saving measures. The victim was transported to Saint Vincent’s Medical Center by AMR where he died as a result of his injuries.
Soon thereafter, police received notice that a female victim had arrived at the hospital suffering a gunshot wound to the jaw. She is currently listed in stable condition.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a large party was taking place at the banquet hall which was rented to a non-member and non-resident. A physical fight began and a single gunshot was heard causing several people in the banquet hall to disperse to the street. As people exited the banquet hall, three additional people sustained minor injuries that were not related to gunfire, contrary to what was dispersed on several media and social media venues. This was a single gunshot fired, which resulted in 2 victims being struck. One of which is deceased and the other has been released from the hospital.
The Connecticut State Police, Westport Police, Stratford Police, and Easton Police were called to assist with crowd control as Fairfield officers secured the crime scene.
This was an isolated incident, which all of the evidence indicates that the suspect knew the victim and fled the scene shortly after the shooting.
The Fairfield Police Detective Bureau along with the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crimes Squad are actively investigating this incident.
Our department sends its deepest condolences to the family for this senseless loss of life.
Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip which can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app or by texting the keyword FPDCT plus your message/tip to 847411 (Tip411). Tips can also be submitted online at fpdct.com/tips.
(Note: When sending a tip by text message, text keyword FPDCT to 847411, add a space, type in your tip information, and hit send.)
One Arrested for Criminal Impersonation after Identity Theft
Press ReleaseOn June 30, 2022, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Westport Police officers responded to the TD Bank located at 185 Main Street on a report that a man was attempting to fraudulently obtain a debit card by impersonating the real account holder. The suspect was still in the bank when officers arrived. He said his name was Edward Tucker and presented a Pennsylvania driver's license with that name. The bank employee said that a Norwalk branch of TD Bank notified the Westport location that the suspect was supposedly trying to engage in the same fraudulent activity there and to be aware should he come to Westport. The Norwalk bank also advised that they reached out to the real account holder who said he was still in PA.
The suspect reportedly admitted that his real name was William Schwarz, and it was determined that the PA driver's license in his possession was fake. Mr. Schwarz also had in his possession a Wells Fargo bank card with the name Edward Tucker on it.
Mr. Schwarz was placed under arrest and charged with Identity Theft in the Second Degree, Forgery in the Second Degree, Criminal Impersonation, Payment Card Theft, Criminal Attempt at Illegal Use of a Payment Card, and Illegal Use of a Payment Card. He was held on $50,000.00 bond and transported to Stamford Superior Court on July 1, to be arraigned.
Fire on Fireworks Barge “Under Investigation”
Westport Fire Department Press Release: Westport Fire Department photoAt approximately 9:30 pm on June 30, 2022, during the annual Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) Fireworks Celebration, a fire started on the barge's deck used to launch the fireworks. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time, and there were no injuries nor property damage. The Westport Fire Department was able to coordinate with the crew from Fireworks by Grucci to ensure their safety and the safety of the public during the fire. Westport Firefighters on the scene were assisted by a fire boat from the Norwalk Fire Department to extinguish the fire.
The fire was extinguished at 11:25 pm, and the barge was able to return to Long Island to set up for another fireworks display tonight.