Naugatuck Police Department

09/07/2026

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT ALERT

The Naugatuck Police Department will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Thursday, September 10, from 7 PM to 2 AM at Salem Bridge (CT Rt. 63), between South Main St. and Cherry St.

Please plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and never drive impaired.

08/31/2026

went Over the Edge (of Mohegan Sun 🫣) in support of Special Olympics Connecticut! 💙

We already knew they were brave, but rappelling down the side of Mohegan Sun takes it to a whole new level! We applaud Lieutenant McMasters, Lieutenant St. George and Ofc. Fulton for stepping outside their comfort zones and going above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for an incredible cause.

We’re always proud to support Special Olympics Connecticut and the amazing athletes who inspire us to be brave, push our limits, and never back down from a challenge! 💙👮‍♂️

Thanks to our sponsors Fusco Painting, Skyeye Technologies & SMC Computers.

08/29/2026

We hope everyone is enjoying their weekend after a great first week back at school! 📚✏️

Our School Resource Officers were excited to welcome students back and are looking forward to another year of building relationships, supporting our school communities, and being a familiar face for students throughout the year.

As we kick off the new school year, we also want to make sure our families know who their SROs are and how to reach them.

NHS - Ofc. Antonowicz ([email protected])
CHMS - Ofc. Masella ([email protected])
Roving Elementary - Ofc. Fulton ([email protected])

Here’s to a safe, successful, and fun school year ahead! 💙

08/28/2026

Join us in congratulating Officer Nick Lavoie, who was promoted to the rank of Sergeant earlier today by Mayor Pete Hess.

Sergeant Lavoie began his law enforcement career with the Waterbury Police Department in 2013 before joining in 2016. Throughout his career, he has served as a member of the Regional Emergency Response Team and Bicycle Patrol Division, a fi****ms instructor, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer at Naugatuck High School, crisis intervention-trained officer, and member of our Peer Support Team.

We look forward to seeing Sergeant Lavoie bring his experience and commitment to this new role.

Please join us in wishing him congratulations and continued success!

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Man Arrested in Copper Theft

On August 27, 2026, at approximately 12:27 a.m., Naugatuck Police officers interrupted a theft in progress at 6 Rubber Avenue. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Jeremiah Torres, was seen stealing copper piping from Borough owned air conditioning equipment behind the building.

The investigation determined that Torres had already removed copper piping and was attempting to remove additional material.

Torres was charged with Larceny in the 6th Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, and Improper Use of a Registration. Torres was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on September 9, 2026.

Media inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Case No. 2600019321

08/26/2026

K9 Hardy is showing off his award-winning smile for National Dog Day today! 😁

We give it a 10/10… from a distance 👀🐺

08/26/2026

Police Response to Gunfire Complaint Leads to Arrest and Fi***rm Seizures

On August 24, 2026, at about 5:00 PM, Naugatuck Police were dispatched to Krodel Rd. to investigate a complaint of a possible argument and gunfire.

Upon arrival, Naugatuck Police determined that Kevin Eldridge (age 70) of Naugatuck had been involved in a verbal argument with household members and discharged a handgun several times into the ground outside of the residence. Eldridge had been disarmed by the household members and left the residence on foot before Officers arrived on scene. A short time later, Naugatuck Police successfully located Eldridge in the area of the Larkin Bridle Trail, where he was taken into custody without incident.

This investigation resulted in the seizure of multiple fi****ms and Eldridge’s arrest for the following charges:
• Illegal Discharge of Fi***rm
• Reckless Endangerment First Degree
• Breach of Peace Second Degree
• Criminal Attempt at Cruelty to Animals
• Criminal Mischief Fourth Degree

Eldridge was held on a $500,000 surety bond for his arraignment in Waterbury Superior Court on August 25, 2026.

During the response, significant police resources were deployed. The successful resolution of this incident reflects the coordinated efforts of our Patrol and Detective Divisions, whose communication and teamwork allowed officers to safely locate Eldridge, secure the fi****ms involved, and bring the investigation to a conclusion without further incident.

-END-

08/22/2026

Teacher Arrested Following Investigation Into Communications with Minor

In early June 2026, the Naugatuck Police Department was contacted by the Naugatuck Board of Education about concerns involving a 15-year-old minor and a teacher.

During the investigation, detectives found that the teacher had frequent one-on-one interactions with the minor. The teacher and minor exchanged numerous personal text messages over a span of several months.

The investigation resulted in an arrest warrant for Michael Harte, 54, of Terryville, for Harmful Communication with a Minor. Harte turned himself in to the Naugatuck Police on Friday August 21, 2026. He was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on September 9, 2026.

Harte is no longer employed by the Naugatuck Board of Education.

Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about online communication and the importance of having safe and appropriate boundaries with adults. Parents should also know what messaging and social media apps their children are using and consider checking their devices. If a child receives messages from an adult that make them uncomfortable, confused, or concerned, they should know that it is okay to tell a parent, teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult.
Parents should also remind their children that they will not be in trouble for telling them about a concerning message or interaction. Speaking up can help keep them and other children safe.

Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

CN: 2600012972

08/20/2026

to a great night at Dunkin’ Park! ⚾️🇺🇸

Last month, members of the Naugatuck Police Department Honor Guard had the privilege of presenting our nation’s colors at the Hartford Yard Goats First Responders Night.

We’re always proud to represent Naugatuck, but doing so alongside fellow first responders from across Connecticut made the evening even more special.

Thank you to the Hartford Yard Goats for recognizing the men and women who serve our communities every day — and for allowing our Honor Guard to be part of the night! 🇺🇸⚾️