MIDDLETOWN:

-Police have identified the skeletal remains found on Tuesday evening in the woods near Plaza Drive as those of Middletown resident Daniel Reed. Reed, 34, went missing in July. Reed’s family contacted investigators after his roommate had not seen him for 10 days. Authorities considered Reed in danger when he went missing, because he was on several medications at the time. Police have yet to determine the cause of death. (The Middletown Press)

 

-Police arrested a homeless man self-described as “troubled” after he robbed a convenience store twice and tried to break into the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street. During one of the two Sunday holdups, the man allegedly told the convenience store clerk he had “a problem.” The 54 year-old suspect was arrested as he fled the Dunkin’ Donuts premises after employees in the back of the store heard him trying to break in. Police report the man has a severe drug addiction and will be held on $100,000 bail. He is set to appear in court next Tuesday. (The Middletown Press)

-Last Wednesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission met to discuss Middletown transportation issues. The commission acknowledged the possibility of developing rail connections, from Middletown to Boston and New York. They also discussed the possibility of reviving the light rail through Middletown, Cromwell, Wethersfield, and Hartford. Commissioners were receptive to rail plans, but they wanted to see less ambitious and expensive transportation alternatives considered first. (Middletown Eye)

 

-Today, the Middlesex United Way is sponsoring “Day of Caring 2009: Project Homeless Connect.” The daylong event, held in Chapman Hall at Middlesex Community College, connects homeless people to needed services. Individuals are picked up and transported to the college where they have access to resources such as medical, dental, and mental health assistance, as well as housing, food, clothing, legal, financial, and job placement services. (Middletown Eye)

 

HARTFORD:

-The owner of an HYPERLINK “http://www.courant.com/topic/us/connecticut/hartford-county/east-hartford-PLGEO100100202080000.topic”East Hartford funeral home was arrested Thursday morning on charges of stealing money, jewelry, and other valuables from the homes of the deceased he prepared for funerals. HYPERLINK “http://www.courant.com/topic/sports/kevin-riley-PESPT006197.topic”Kevin Riley turned himself in to investigators and posted the $500,000 bail. Riley’s first court appearance is set for Oct. 29. (The Hartford Courant)

 

-Two fatal shootings on Wednesday brought the number of Hartford homicides this month alone to six. While talking on a cell phone, Leida “Flaka” Franqui and a friend were gunned down as they walked along the street. Police have yet to identify Franqui’s friend who was only known to mourners as “Manny” and “White Boy.” Investigators are still looking for two male suspects, one tall and one heavy-set. (The Hartford Courant)

 

NEW HAVEN:

-A 17 year-old boy, whose name has not yet been released, was arrested Thursday after posting on Facebook that he wanted to buy a gun and “shoot up” a local high school. The school superintendent says the threat is being taken seriously. The suspect faces a warrant for breach of peace. One online comment in response to the article published in The New Haven Register read, “That is where it might have been nice to have a ‘dislike’ button.” (The New Haven Register)

 

– The new American Girl doll Rebecca Rubin will take center stage at the New Haven American Girl Fashion Shows this weekend. One hundred fifty local girls will have the opportunity to model the historical apparel. The 1,300 seat shows, held at the Omni New Haven Hotel, will raise funds for literacy programs at the James Blackstone Memorial Library. (The New Haven Register)