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NHPD Continues Investigation of Lock-Up Death

New Haven| New Haven Police are continuing to investigate the untimely death of 31 year old De’Sohn Wilson in the Union Avenue Detention Center at 1 Union Avenue.  The New Haven man died Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

In response to a gathering of the man’s family on the steps of police headquarters today, New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes is offering his condolences and an update on the investigation.  Chief Reyes said, “While any untimely death is disheartening, it is especially disheartening to those of us at this police department when the person dies in our custody. Our department offers its condolences to the family and the community.”

Chief Reyes said New Haven Police followed its protocol for an in-custody death by immediately launching an investigation of the incident.  The Chief added, “NHPD detectives responded to the detention facility and held the scene for a full investigation. In addition to making notification to the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, our department has reviewed our collected investigative material with the State’s Attorney’s Office.”

Chief Reyes said per protocol, he launched an internal investigation into the incident.  According to the Chief, NHPD Internal Affairs is reviewing operating procedures and practices at the time of the incident.  

Chief Reyes is offering again to meet with the family and representatives of the deceased and review the department’s investigation.   The Chief added, “While the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has made available to our department some of its preliminary findings about the death of Mr. Wilson, the Medical Examiner’s Office has not issued a final report as they await the return of a toxicology report.  Thus far, the preliminary evidence indicates the death was a suicide. The NHPD can certainly share with the family what information we have.”  

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his sympathy to the family and said, “I am saddened by the loss of a member of our community.  I offer my condolences to De’Sohn’s family. I have been in close contact with Chief Reyes and I have confidence that he and the department will conduct an appropriate review

 In response to the disproportionate rates of COVID-19 cases in our communities of color, our team has been working closely with local partners. I’d like to announce the opening of Murphy Medical Associates testing site in the Dwight and West River neighborhoods. This location is behind the Amistad School on the corner of Day Street and Chapel Street. To sign up for testing, you can visit coronatestct.com or call the Health Department at (203) 946-4949, and we can sign you up over the phone. The Murphy Medical Associates site is the fifth testing site that has been activated in New Haven, along with Fair Haven Community Health Center, Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, CVS, and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Thank you to all our partners for helping our communities that need it the most.

If you are unable to get a test at any of our community-based testing sites, the CVS rapid testing site is offering rides with taxi service M7. Just call 2-1-1, have your confirmation number ready, and schedule your ride. If you would like to sign up to get tested at any of the available facilities, please find information on the City of New Haven’s website or call the New Haven Health Department Emergency Line at (203) 946-4949.

Please stay safe and stay home.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Fire Chief John Alston released the following statement regarding an internal overtime investigation in the New Haven Fire Department:

On this date, my office was made aware of a potential issue regarding overtime discrepancies. Overtime is reviewed by my office two times weekly: once from the Office of Management and Budget then once again from the Fire Department budget lines. Collaboratively, we look for trends and potential gaps which may trigger spikes. This allows the Department to determine if shifts are properly staffed and address other issues as necessary, with an eye to the safety of everyone in the city as well as maintaining a healthy respect for the contribution of taxpayers.

All overtime entries are tied to actions, events and emergencies. They are logged in the FIREHOUSE Software system and then pushed into the city’s payroll system MUNIS. There have been issues in the past of proper coding of entries, which we have diligently worked to correct.

Since the onset of this pandemic, the New Haven Fire Department members, Staff in Operations, the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Training Division have literally been working around the clock. The New Have Fire Department has responded to over 600 calls which were COVID19 related. A total of 95 members were exposed, 20 have tested positive and in the process, we place them off duty. This creates additional overtime in ‘backfilling’ those positions. Many are working in roles which require them to work odd hours that exceed their normal work schedule. Both their contract with the City and our broader social contract require that they be compensated for providing this life-saving service whenever the call for service is made by a member of our community.

We have initiated an investigation into this matter, and at the initial review, it appears all current overtime activity is justified and approved. Considering all information is logged into the system, we will be able to provide a final report, after working with the Office of Management and Budget to perform an internal audit of our practices.

I continue to be proud of the work by the members of the New Haven Fire Department, and I ask that any reports of potential discrepancies or misconduct be shared with me, Mayor Justin Elicker, the Board of Fire Commissioners, or the appropriate union. It is only together that we will emerge from this global pandemic stronger, smarter, and with greater community resolve.

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The Small Business Administration will be getting $310B in funding for the Payment Protection Program, with $125B specifically for under-banked and minority-owned businesses, and $10B in an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance. The SBA will process these applications on a first-come, first-serve basis as they receive them from SBA-approved banks or lenders.

If you run a small business or non-profit, are a sole proprietor, or a contractor you should immediately apply by going to the City of New Haven’s COVID-19 website and clicking on the “Together New Haven” link. The first round of money that was released 3 weeks ago was used up in 14 days. If you need assistance, call the City of New Haven at (203) 946-7050 and we can direct you to the right place.

Thank you for your cooperation throughout this challenging time. I encourage you to stay home and stay safe.

New Haven Mayor to Host COVID-19 Press Briefing

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond will be hosting press availability regarding all updates surrounding the City’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Today’s press briefing will be at 4:00 PM. The COVID-19 situation is evolving every day, and the City of New Haven wants to provide accurate and current information regarding the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 Daily Press Briefing

Mayor Justin Elicker & Health Director Maritza Bond

Friday, March 20, 2020

New Haven Hall of Records

200 Orange Street, on the steps of the Hall of Records

New Haven, CT 06510

4:00 PM

New Haven Police Arrest Man Seeking Sex With Minor

New Haven| On Friday, March 13, 2020, 33 year old Christopher Brereton drove from his home in Fargo, North Dakota with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 15 year old minor.  Brereton arrived at a pre-arranged New Haven location and was met instead by New Haven Police Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives and Homeland Security Investigations special agents.

The investigation began in January after Brereton initiated a conversation with a 15 year old female. One conversation was intercepted by a family member of the teen who then notified New Haven Police.

SVU Detective Leonardo Soto and a Homeland Security special agent continued the undercover social media chats with Brereton and eventually arranged a meeting with him.

Brereton was arrested on scene and charged with the following:

• Criminal attempt sexual assault second degree.
• Criminal attempt possession of child pornography third degree.
• Commercial sexual abuse of a minor.
• Enticing a minor by computer.
• Risk of Injury to a minor. 

Bond was set at $200,000.  Christopher Brereton was held at the NHPD Union Avenue Detention Center and transferred today to an arraignment hearing in New Haven Superior Court at 121 Elm Street

New Haven Organizations and Artists Awarded Arts Endowment Funding and Fellowship Grants

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, and Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Adriane Jefferson stated their excitement following the announcement of endowment funding and fellowship grants to New Haven artists and organizations from Artist Fellowship Program from the Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts and the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF). The CAEF was created by the State Legislature to improve and sustain private-sector funding to ensure that arts organizations can thrive long-term. The Artist Fellowship program continues to provide competitive grants to assist in developing Connecticut artists by supporting their new work, goals, and creative ideas.  

Arts and Cultural Affairs Director, Adriane Jefferson stated, “I am delighted to see New Haven-based artists and arts organizations receive grant funding from the State of Connecticut, Office of the Arts. New Haven has immense cultural capital, and it is so imperative to our creative eco-system that we continue to recognize and provide tangible resources to our arts and cultural organizations, as well as our individual artists that help to shape the infrastructure—not just of New Haven, but of Connecticut.” 

There are three grant designations for the Artist Fellowship Program: Artistic Excellence grant of $5,000, the Artistic Fellowship grant of $3,000, and the Emerging Recognition grant of $1,000. Over $20,000 has been awarded to the following New Haven artists: 

  Rachel Bernsen $3,000.00

  Jay Eddy $3,000.00

  Jacquelyn Gleisner $3,000.00

  Kyle Kearson $1,000.00

  Meredith Miller $3,000.00

  Aedan O'Brien $1,000.00

  Kevin Sherwin $1,000.00

  Gabriella Svenningsen Omonte $3,000.00

  Thuan Vu $5,000.00

The CAEF is under the purview of the State Treasurer, and funding is administered by the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA). Art organizations that qualify for interest earned on the Fund’s principal must raise over $15,000 in contributions from the private sector and non-governmental entities for at least two years. Over $100,000 has been endowed to the following local organizations: 

  New Haven Architecture Resource Center $500.00

  New Haven Artspace, Inc. $3,450.00

  New Haven Creative Arts Workshop $2,832.00

  New Haven Elm Shakespeare Company $2,630.00

  New Haven International Festival of Arts & Ideas $9,073.00

  Long Wharf Theatre $37,051.00

  Music Haven, Inc. $5,129.00

  Neighborhood Music School $4,227.00

  New Haven Ballet $1,238.00

  New Haven Chorale, Inc. $1,197.00

  New Haven Community Chorus $500.00

  New Haven Folk, Inc. $500.00

  New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Inc. $13,199.00

  New Haven Arts Council $2,087.00

  New Haven Orchestra New England, Inc. $619.00

  Shubert Theater/CAPA $40,102.00

“New Haven is a place where we see how the arts can make a positive impact on the lives of all communities,” stated Mayor Justin Elicker. “Though we are facing tough fiscal challenges, I am excited to know that many New Haven artists and organizations are continuing to receive State funding to pursue their goals and actualize their potential by embracing the arts.” 

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Clifford Beers Grant Award Press Conference

Joined by Lt..Gov. Bysiewicz, Dr. Forrester at the Clifford Beers Clinic, William Halsey at DSS, Commissioner Dorantes at CDCF, Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon at DMHAS,

Commissioner Bye at OEC, Rep. Toni Walker

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

New Haven City Hall

165 Church Street, 2^nd Floor Atrium

New Haven, CT 06510

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Speaking at Mardi Gras Celebration

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street

New Haven, CT 06510

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Testifying at the Housing Committee

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Legislative Office Building

300 Capitol Avenue, Room 2A

Hartford, CT 06106

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Visiting the HOPE Family Justice Center

Thursday, February 27, 2020

142 Temple Street, 3^rd Floor

New Haven, CT 06510

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

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Senator Blumenthal, Mayor Elicker, Health Officials, and Local Elected Officials

to Host Press Conference in Response to Federal Budget Cuts

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Tomorrow afternoon U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, New Haven Health Officials, members of the Board of Alders, and other elected officials will hold a press conference in response to the $1.9 trillion in budget cuts proposed in the 2021 Federal Budget from the Trump Administration. This proposed budget includes cuts to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), education, Section 8, food stamps, and various other programs many Connecticut residents rely on. The proposed budget awaits a vote with the U.S. House of Representatives.

Federal Budget Press Conference

Friday, February 14, 2020

New Haven City Hall

165 Church St., 2^nd Floor Atrium

New Haven, CT

12:45 PM

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City of New Haven Hosts Grand Avenue Bridge Public Forum

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Tomorrow evening New Haven City Engineer Giovanni Zinn, Chief Administrative Officer Scott Jackson, and Economic Development Director Michael Piscitelli will host a public forum regarding the Grand Avenue Bridge construction improvements. This bridge is an important traffic artery in New Haven that connects the Fair Haven neighborhood to the Fair Haven Heights neighborhood. The bridge will be closed for approximately nineteen months during construction.  

Grand Avenue Bridge Public Forum

Jepson Magnet School

15 Lexington Avenue, New Haven, CT 06513

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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Governor Lamont Tells Residents State Closely Monitoring for Possible Cases of Coronavirus

No Confirmed Cases in Connecticut; Two Patients Under Investigation Statewide, Both Tested Positive for Influenza Type A

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today said that the State of Connecticut is continuing to closely monitor the outbreak of coronavirus in China after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced several confirmed cases in the United States, none of which are in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has two persons under investigation for the new coronavirus, one in Middlesex County who is a student at Wesleyan University and the other in New Haven County. The Wesleyan student has tested negative for coronavirus. Both persons have tested positive for influenza type A and the cause of their illness is most likely the flu. As a precaution, both persons remain in isolation. DPH is awaiting final testing results for coronavirus at the CDC for the New Haven County patient. At the present time, testing for this new coronavirus strain is only available at the CDC.

“The state is closely monitoring reported cases and remaining cautious on behalf of the public,” Governor Lamont said. “We want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to provide updated information on these developments to the people of our state. We ask that the public not panic but take possible symptoms seriously and consult a healthcare professional.”

“I want to assure all residents of Connecticut that we are taking this new virus very seriously and have been closely coordinating our response with local health departments and medical providers throughout the state,” DPH Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell said. “So far, we have no confirmed cases of this coronavirus in Connecticut. It is also the height of the flu season, and hundreds of Connecticut residents have already been hospitalized for influenza. I want to make sure everyone takes precautions to keep themselves healthy during this season, and if you experience any symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, fever or others, please contact your doctor and get treated sooner rather than later.”

“I urge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to declare a public health emergency so we can ensure that the Center for Disease Control is able to access the additional funding it may need to expedite the development of a vaccine and to prepare to contain any outbreak in our country,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “The recent coronavirus strain exploding in China has resulted in many deaths and therefore proactive steps must be taken at the federal and state levels. My office is in constant contact with Connecticut state public health officials and I stand ready to assist state officials to protect the health of Connecticut residents.”

Connecticut is at the height of respiratory virus season. Influenza activity in Connecticut is widespread. A total of 784 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported since the beginning of the 2019-20 season. Seven new influenza-associated deaths were reported last week, resulting in a total of 20 influenza-associated deaths reported since the beginning of the 2019-20 season.

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of the coronavirus may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. No vaccine or specific treatment for the infection is available, however care is supportive. When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, like how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of SARS and MERS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.

Symptoms of the coronavirus may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell

The CDC recommends that individuals avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China, but has provided specific for those who are still planning a trip to Wuhan and for individuals who have recently returned from that city and may be experiencing the above symptoms. While there is currently no vaccine for this coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.

The most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) about the outbreak of a new coronavirus in China is available here.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

influenza Patient from Yale Model UN Negative for Coronavirus

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement on the status of the Yale Model UN student tested for caronavirus.

“We have just received information from the State Department of Public Health that the student participating in the Yale Model United Nations program has tested negative for coronavirus after lab testing with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,” stated Mayor Elicker. “As a reminder, this is the flu season, and we all need to take preventative measures to reduce the spread of germs and respiratory virus. Our Health Department will continue to stay in communication with the State Department of Public Health regarding the coronavirus.”

The Elicker Administration will continue to communicate on an ongoing basis to ensure the City is on top of any potential issues related to the coronavirus. Influenza activity in Connecticut is widespread and everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of respiratory viruses such as the flu and coronavirus, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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Coronavirus Update with Department of Public Health

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, City Officials, Yale Health, and Officials from the State Department of Public Health held a conference call to discuss the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first identified in Wuhan, China and ensure that the City and regional partners are coordinating efforts. The call was in part in response to two cases in Connecticut of individuals with travel history in China being diagnosed with Influenza A (the common flu), including one who participated in Yale’s Model UN in New Haven. As a precautionary measure, the Center for Disease Control is testing samples to ensure that the patients are not infected with coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The New Haven patient was participating in the annual Yale Model United Nations and exhibited cough and fever and was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where the student tested positive for Influenza A (the common flu). As a precaution, testing for coronavirus at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been arranged with results expected early this week. The patient, who does not exhibit severe symptoms, has been released from the hospital.

With guidance of the Connecticut State Department of Health, The City of New Haven, City Officials, Yale University, and Yale New Haven Health are working closely to monitor the situation and keep in communication.

“Our team has been communicating on an ongoing basis to ensure we are on top of any potential issue related to the coronavirus. While the two cases in Connecticut are influenza cases we are in the midst of flu season, we want to take all precautions to make absolutely sure they do not also coronavirus so as to ensure the health and safety of all residents,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “We will communicate any changes to events as we learn about them.”

Officials note that while the immediate threat from 2019-nCOV to the general public is low, Connecticut is at the height of respiratory virus season.  Influenza activity in Connecticut is widespread and that everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread respiratory viruses such as the flu and coronavirus, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment. The most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) about the outbreak of a new coronavirus in China is available at:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

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