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NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk Police descended upon South Norwalk Sunday evening to investigate gunfire stretching over several city blocks. A sergeant refused to comment on what she described as a "huge crime scene," as the investigation was in progress, but a resident of the area said that "boys" shot at each other, but no one was hurt.
Police shut down Woodward Avenue between Meadow and Sheridan streets after the report of shots fired came in at 7:38 p.m. At least 10 police cruisers were on the scene, and patrol officers were searching the bushes well beyond the area that had been closed. At least one vehicle had a bullet hole in it.
The Daily Voice will provide more information when it is available.
Comments (77)
The Norwalk police officers I've met are hard working and seem disciplined and bright. What's missing is the political leadership where is the Mayor and the City Council? I don't see any of them in this area. I haven't heard a peep from any of them about the level of crime. This should be a bi-partisan issue since the level of crime hurts Norwalk in a variety of ways.
they need to change tactics
Wow, there sure are a lot of armchair experts using this incident as an opportunity to criticize the Norwalk PD.
All of those criticisms seem bizarre if we pause for a moment and consider the facts. There was a shooting in a rough part of town. A witness did the right thing and gave the police some information, and a few hours later someone who was involved was arrested. Sounds to me like the Norwalk PD did their job, worked with civic-minded members of the community, and arrested a criminal. That's cause to PRAISE the Police, and PRAISE the witness who shared information. The system worked exactly as it should.
Lwitherspoon,
Don't bother to try and argue with Tim T. He's obviously got a grudge against the NPD and anyone who disagrees with him.
Oh, yeah, and he claims to have a degree in criminal justice. But why he isn't working with Dr. Henry Lee or some other high profile detective, I'll never know, since he apparently is clarivoyant and knows what Council members are doing during crimes, what state Representatives are doing during crimes, and what the police are doing during the crimes.
It's sad, really. All he can do is tell you you're worth nothing, a zero, zip, nada. Why he stays in Norwalk I don't know.
So, I wouldn't bother to feed the troll anymore. It's not worth it.
"So, I wouldn't bother to feed the troll anymore. It's not worth it. "
Strange that you would give this advise to others about me when you replied to 9 of my post within 4 minutes. NOT VERY BRIGHT ARE YOU?
Oh Paige don't be obsessed with my posts as I call you out as being wrong over and over again. Do you realize how foolish you look that you have responded to 9 of my posts within 4 minutes. If you cant handle the truth I would suggest you don't read and reply to everyone of my post with your childish replies.
You seem to be an armchair experts at everything but know ZERO about everything. As far as criticizing the NPD because of the NPD's failures they deserve each and every criticism . The NPD is a complete and total failure. The out of control crime proves this,,,,,PERIOD
Troll Alert.
HAHAHAHA
Yes you are Paige and once again you have proven this with your post. .
The facts are that there was a shooting, quickly followed by an arrest. Those facts alone prove that the Norwalk PD is not a "complete and total" failure. You can repeat your anti-Police rhetoric a thousand more times, but that won't make it true. When you were sitting in your armchair attacking the Police for failing to solve this crime, they had already solved it!
No it is true as first off only one of the 2 shooters were caught. Also we have hundred of other unsolved shootings and killings. Let me explain how it works if a baseball team only one 1 game per season what would you call them, "A complete and total failure". Also they have not had a conviction as of yet so this doesn't even count as 1 win.
Yawn. Pretty hard to get a conviction when the crime just happened the other day. The preps probably don't even have public defenders assigned yet.
What are you rambling about ..Have you been drinking?
Agreed. I always say the people who complain that the NPD dont do anything must be fortunate enough to live in a really nice part of town and should count their blessings.
Norwalk no longer has any safe locations due to the NPD not being able to control or solve crime
Okay, Tim, since you know so much, who did it? Why don't you tell us all and then everybody can go get the perp and toss him in jail?
Oh Paige don't be obsessed with my posts as I call you out as being wrong over and over again. Do you realize how foolish you look that you have responded to 9 of my posts within 4 minutes. If you cant handle the truth I would suggest you don't read and reply to everyone of my post with your childish replies
The Norwalk PD solved this crime, so I guess that means they ARE able to solve crime. And the statement that Norwalk has no safe locations is absurd. The vast majority of Norwalkers are as far from the unfortunate violence in SoNo as they are from the same sort of violence in Bridgeport.
I do feel for the SoNo residents who are affected by this violence. I hope you will continue work with the PD to give them more information (as the witness in this case did) so that the PD can do the work of getting more criminals out of your neighborhood. It's really easy to sit at home and criticize the Police for every little thing. While you do that, the Police put themselves at risk every day, doing their best under difficult circumstances. It's much harder, but more rewarding, to get involved and be a part of the solution yourself.
Wrong again
The strawberry hill area had 2 shootings within the past year and a half. the hospital area had one a few weeks back, main street area, ct ave condo behind home depot , aAvenue E exactly 1 year ago 2 dead bodies found shot in a car, van zant or fort point in East Norwalk.... shall I continue... Let us not forget the gang riot at the beach of 200 plus
As I said Norwalk has NO safe areas
Gang riot at the beach? Hmmmm. Seems to me there was a large gathering of young people at the beach and things were getting tense. However, the police did respond, and broke up the potential problem but were immediately accused of racism.
So exactly, what did they do wrong. Oh, wait! You're Tim T and the police can't do anything right, so the very fact that they exist put them in the wrong.
Oh you must be drinking today
How many of those incidents involved innocent, random victims and how many involved known gang members or drug dealers? To say that Norwalk has no safe areas is absurd, I feel as safe now as I did ten years ago, because I am not a gang member or drug dealer and I don't associate with people who are. I'm really sorry if you live or work in a rough area and are unable to live or work somewhere else. Maybe you could become part of the solution by organizing your neighbors and encouraging them to report any crime they see. Or, since you seem to know so much about effective Police work, you could take the physical and written exam and join the force yourself. As you've said in the past, the work is super easy and the pay is great, so what could possibly be stopping you?
Also you should check with your friend Jane D for the "facts" on the "gang riot at the beach of 200 plus", according to her "sources" that was just a few kids being kids. And according to the Rev. Mann the real crime that day was committed by the Police Officer who said "Crips and Bloods" over the radio... a good example of how the misplaced priorities of community leaders are contributing to more crime.
Written Exam? Wouldn't that simply open a Pandora's Box for the A.C.L.U., to insist that some be given an oral? I also would expect that in order to be an effective law enforcer it's requirred that you have the ability to use Intellect over Emotion
Racist
You type and type but say nothing.Your comment "join the force yourself" is ignorant at best. Would you say the same thing to someone that complained about an auto mechanic that did not repair a car correctly "HEY BECOME A MECHANIC IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT"
Now do you see how ignorant you sound?
Also it is of ZERO importance if gang members are involved or not. What is important is we have people shooting at each other in public and the NPD is a failure and cant solve these crimes. NICE TRY AT SPIN BUT YOU FAILED AGAIN.....
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Boring. Nothing but an attack dog.
I live in Sono and I complain about the PD because I know they slack in Sono...You said yourself you have been told that they don't have the resources to put Sono neighborhoods under 24/7 surveillence...But do you know they find the resources to do it around the School Street housing uptown and around Colonial Village housing in West Norwalk. When it comes to other neighborhoods they have the resources but when it comes to South Norwalk they don't.
And if anyone thinks it's stupid that South Norwalk should get a larger chunk of a shift's patrol mass needs to realize that the '54 (06854 aka South Norwalk) has the densest population mass out of any district in Norwalk.
With respect did you ever think we do see this voilence from our armchairs? Rough part of town is an understatement.The information given to police in te past has been overwhelming what the police dept says is another thing maybe to ptotect the innocent,there has been more than enough given.
Cameras in the city do they work?
This area is known for gunfire senseless gunfire.
Sounds like to us you want to see the NPD shine yet look at them they are young inexperienced and if they keep responding at a 100 miles an hour some child will be killed what about that sight from our armchairs.
Enough of the nonsense lets look at the whole picture,if they are they each hour and were not there when the shooting happened well maybe what Stamford just recently did was to sit in the bushes and catch a gunman,it was brillant how the Stamford police did it.
I would say that was low tech by the Stamford police dept and it worked.More than 8 shots meant more than one gunman how could 3 crime scenes be generated by one gunman good question.
Where is the comments by the council or our candidates running or has East Norwalk dropped out of the race,has the others been so laxy not to read the news today?
The politicians know the reporters they know cell numbers no one can show concern?
Must be nice to comment on things from the hilltop or Inn where crime doesn't happen.
Shooting at this hour time of day to be exact has to leave the shooter with no fear of getting caught its not the first time at this hour it has happened this year alone.
Praise the officers they are working for leadership lost in thought on what to do.
Praise those who voted for Mayor Moccia they have saved the city millions now spend it on woodward ave.
Can't praise The Hour the lights were on and no one was home.they did get a story out any later it would be an archive story,must mean not on the front page today.Dick does well to run the newsroom.
Lets be serious there are only two people where the finger can be pointed its obvious an outside search of for a experienced crime fighter with no ties to the union and police board is ever going to stop this.
Who was protecting Norwalk when every cruiser in the city was on Woodward ave last night?
Patrolmen in twos walking the streets seeking shell casings and guns while terrified residents holding children look on.
Lets consider those elite who live at the end of Woodward ave who are help hostage having no way out to the city than Woodward ave?
Channel 12 caught on camera p!ssed off residents seeking some relief from this chaos,consider this event or look at it as if this was your front yard on a summer night when kids are walking to the store for an ice cream,or simply sitting on your porch enjoy the night before work the next day.
No one has captured the people and thier obvious disgust there in no quality of life Mr Mayor you should be ashamed of your recent antics as you filled Harry's shoes.
Where is the outrage from the councilors Bruce was so fast to defend himself over trash yet where was he last night whenh he got the call for the shooting?Oh thats right no sense in bothering the councilors they are home with thier families safe knowing its South Norwalk that isn't.
Where is Romano,Duff,Perone,Morris etc what have they said,do they even know this happened ? Cowards!
oh the two men who say a lot and do nothing
The grant was announced recently by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT 4) and Mayor Richard Moccia. "This grant will bolster the Norwalk Police in their ongoing work to escalate a visible law enforcement presence in areas of known gang hostility," Moccia said in a statement.
"We have been assigning officers since July 1 at specific days, times and locations," Kulhawik said. "
Himes is useless! lets make it three
The Hour was covering the news from the third stool in at the Inn all was quiet there last night I bet.
Norwalk is a disgusting city to live in ask any of the 100s of people who were effected last night when the shots rang out.
Thank you Daily Voice your reporter was on the street doing her job we trust you have bought her a flak jacket at least your office knows how to get the story out,it ran national last night relatives have called asking if anyone is all right,more than what we got from our Mayor and that says a lot.
Thank you Norwalk police officers you also had disgust on your faces last night as you also saw the fear and anger on those faces you serve,its not your fault we have poor leadership thank you again for caring.
The city is a mess thank you mayor Moccia you have not failed us,for those who voted against you.
Not sure what you are referring to as far as councilors, I for one have been very active as far as crime goes in this city. One would assume by your post that we are called directly when a crime happens. I can't imagine for a minute that the first thing the officers think of when they get a call "shots fired" is to "oh wait let me call the council, or let me call the state leaders". This just isn't how it works. We get the news just like everyone else. Some of us have police scanners but what sense would it make for all of us to drive to the crime area and get in the mix? None of us are trained in criminal activity or would this be a good tv commercial "I'm not a police officer but I have seen them on tv so let me go investigate". I for one keep very informed with what is going on but, again, I am not a trained officer and therefore would only add to the confusion by showing up at a crime scene to lend my two cents. I believe our officers do their job but could definately use more help, more feet on the streets, more technology and more cooperation in solving thes crimes. If you think it's an easy job, it's not! If you think these guys/ladies come to work just for a paycheck, you are wrong! I have ridden with them on occasion(at night, not the middle of the day) and yes have been out there when the calls come in "shots fired" and the response time is amazing and the dedication to protecting the innocent neighbors is first priority while at the same time tracking down the suspects and gathering witnesses who many times don't want to/won't talk or give any information due to fear of retaliation. If you want to blame someone, blame the ones who are committing the crimes. Blame the ones who are selling the illegal guns to these kids. Put the blame where it belongs. Just because I live in "East Norwalk" as you refer to, doesn't mean I don't care or I don't take the time to follow up with what goes on in other parts of the city, I don't live under a rock, I live in reality! I attempted several years ago to organize a program to educate and bring Norwalk youths together with leaders of the community to help them understand the ramifications of the violence, unfortunately some people didn't feel there was a need for this sort of program. There is always a need for the community to interact with our youth and help them and steer them in the right direction. But alas, it was one more program started and one more program that lost out, but the ones that realy lost out were the ones who would have benefitted the most. So, in answer to your question, I do care, I do know what happened and I do get involved.
Joanne
I challenged you in the past on this blog to take action but you did ZERO and even failed to respond. It seem everyone is afraid to step on King Moccia's toes as he is in denial in regards to the Norwalk crime epidemic.. If you truly want to help suggest to the powers that be that we need the state police to assist in Norwalk as clearly the NPD is not getting the job done. You and others can talk all you want but you are doing ZERO when it comes to action.
Well Tim, I don't know you (or maybe I do)and I don't know how you read my mind or know what I do/don't do but you seem to have a pretty clear agenda when it comes to the NPD. No matter what I/others say or do we will always be wrong and you again seem to know exactly what we do so what is the sense in arguing over this? You have absolutely no idea what we have talked to people about, whom we've talked to or when. Because things don't go according to your plan or how others perceive things should be done, I for one and I know this will rile you, have never had any negative perception of our police department and our officers. As the daughter of a police officer myself, I think we have an excellent department despite the naysayers on the blogs so on that note I will end this conversation as it just doesn't seem feasible to sit here arguing with someone who has no idea what I am about! Oh and BTW ZERO is a harsh word in this case since again, you have no idea whom I've spoken to or the conversations I've had.
Well at least you have proven that you are doing nothing but a bunch of political speeches.
Thanks for the info.
I think not Tim, political speeches aren't my thing and grandstanding even less! politics has nothing to do with me being proactive. what you don't understand is that the safety and welfare of the public should not be a political issue to use for grandstanding. If I talk to people behind the scenes I don't necessarily need to make it public for brownie points! You see to want to demean anyone who does not agree with you or march to your drum. Again I would ask, where do you get your info from? Unless you are following me around 24/7 you have no idea what I am doing or who I am discussing matters with. Kind of scarey if I am being followed. Don't believe that being followed 24/7 because you are an elected official is in the city charter.
Thanks for piping up Joanne!
Should say thank for doing nothing Joanne except speeches...
So tell us Joanne what have you done to help curb the out of control crime epidemic? What have you done about the near zero violent solved crime rate of the NPD? What have you done about the shootings, killings, stabbings. armed robberies, and gangs in Norwalk of the past 4 years???almost all unsolved. You can say what you like but clearly the NPD is not getting the job done..Its time to call in the STATE PD ...DO NOT WAIT UNTIL AN INNOCENT PERON OR CHILD IS CAUGHT IN THE CROSS FIRE. We elect our our official for action and not words.. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE CRIME...PROVE ME WRONG... STAND UP TO KING MOCCIA.
As far as following you around 24/7 I could careless about following you around..I would not know who you were if you were standing next to me What I do know is I see alot of words that seem to have no action..I also find your comment childish and defeatist..
TAKE A STAND AND MAKE A CHANGE FOR NORWALK.
Mr. T-should you have complaints/suggestions etc. all of our e-mails are on the city website and I for one welcome input from anyone who wishes to contact me.
Thank you for proving the point that you are doing nothing but political speeches
What would you like her to do? She's a legislator not a crime fighter. What needs to happen is those effected communities need to stop tolerating it. Theres people who know who was shooting that arent speaking up, theres people who know about the other shootings that arent speaking up. Those are simple facts. Theres people who know whos selling what when & where that arent speaking up. Blaming the police & legislators is a typical go nowhere response. Taking the bull by the horns & doing what needs doing is not. Form community watches etc, be proactive, not to march about some irrelevant thing a thousand miles away but to protest the violent young people among us. Its easy to throw jabs at public figures, but its woefully ineffective.
I'v always found Joanne accessible & responsive when I had a concern, but I'd say the same thing of our PD too.
Ken just what do you think we overpay the police for if its not to solve crime..It is not up to the citizens to do the job of the police. Also it is up to the legislators that we elect to make sure the police are doing their job. What we see from the Norwalk politicians is speeches with ZERO action. ..Your response is very typical of the republican administration in Norwalk..
How about leaving a cop car on Woodward Ave 24/7?
The Hour report Norwalk PD make a arrest on last night shooting they will have story soon
I understand that one of what I am hearing was many involved have been caught. Let us hope they can catch the others...What should happen is the state PD should be called in. We have seen time and again when an outside agency is called in we get results.
Lets hope its more than one arrest as I understand many many were involved in this incident,
it all sounds so easy, but the number of officers on the street is more limited than we imagine, and is kept secret, for "security" reasons. That is not likely to change in this economy with this administration. Creating a new patrol district and covering it full time would require taking people from other places, but would probably make sense. Making much better use of available technology would cost a lot less than hiring more cops and should be part of the solution. We can only hope that the new chief and deputy do not feel obliged to keep using officers and technology the way it has been done and are willing to take risks and make changes. The way it has been done for years is not working. More plain clothes officers in unmarked cars that don't look like police cars might help.
The police can't clean up a neighborhood alone. It requires a lot of support from residents who need to know officers they can talk to, with no risk of anyone finding out. Building that level of trust takes time and cops who are familiar faces. Once they get to trust an officer they see every day, and that officer gives out private cell phone numbers, tips will follow.
Anything the police can do only works if the courts get really serious about putting bad guys away.
OLD TIMER
With all due respect I think your status as a retired police officer clouds your opinion ...You know what they say about the thin blue line. The NPD is not the same department as when you were on the job..Today it is a compete and total failure which is clear by the out of control crime and the lack of solved case. I also could mention the many many issues over the past several years with officers getting arrested themselves. We had the chance for change but Moccia chose to worry about the police union endorsement instead of the taxpayers.
Which is why they need foot patrols. They used to have foot patrols in Norwalk...An older officer said he had to foot patrol for over a year before he even got a car. But he knew everyone's name in the area he patrolled.