Naugatuck Police Department

10/15/2026

The Naugatuck Police Department appreciates the strong partnership and collaboration with the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our federal and law enforcement partners in this investigation.

Threats of targeted violence, including those made online, are taken seriously and require a coordinated response to help protect our community and public officials. We remain committed to working with our partners to investigate credible threats and ensure public safety.

SCOTT DYER, 35, of Naugatuck, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with threatening to kill members of the Republican Party and a high-ranking public official.

10/15/2026

Man Arrested on Narcotics Sale Charge Following Death Investigation

On October 5, 2026, Naugatuck Police arrested Anthony Vargas, 33, of Waterbury, on an arrest warrant following an investigation into a suspected overdose death that occurred in July.

The initial investigation began on July 6, 2026, when officers responded to a Naugatuck residence for a welfare check and found a person deceased. Responding officers located suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia on the scene. An autopsy would later rule the death caused by an overdose.

During the investigation, Detectives discovered evidence indicating Vargas had allegedly arranged narcotics sales to the deceased just prior to his death. As a result of this investigation, Vargas was charged with Sale of a Narcotic Substance in violation of C.G.S. § 21a-277(a)(1)(A). He was held on a court-set $250,000 cash/surety bond and was arraigned at Waterbury Superior Court on October 7, 2026.

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10/09/2026

You may notice a little more pink on our uniforms this month! 🎀

Throughout October, Naugatuck Police officers are wearing pink patches and pins to raise breast cancer awareness and support those in our community who have been affected by it.

Our Goes Pink fundraising page is open to everyone, so we’d love for the Naugatuck community to join us. If you’d like to donate to Susan G. Komen, you can do so here: http://www.info-komen.org/goto/teamnpdgoespink

Let’s go pink together, Naugatuck! 💗🎀

10/03/2026

Remember our hawk from early September who crashed into a building on Church Street? We have a happy update—he was successfully released back into the wild on Friday! 🦅

After the collision in September left him dazed on the sidewalk, caring community members kept him safe until Officer Leary and Animal Control Officers Rupsis and Sklanka arrived. DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police then transported him to a wildlife rehabilitator for care.

Thanks to the care provided by Christine’s Critters wildlife rehabilitation center, and the help of DEEP and Officer Dota, this hawk got a second chance to spread his wings.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in getting him safely back where he belongs!

10/02/2026

Naugatuck Woman Arrested on 16 Counts of Animal Cruelty and Additional Harassment/Stalking Charges

On October 1, 2026, Melissa Mae Ahlgren, 35, of Naugatuck, was taken into custody by Berlin Police and transported to Naugatuck Police Headquarters for processing on three outstanding arrest warrants.

The first warrant followed an animal cruelty investigation that began on August 6, 2026 when Animal Control learned of a critically ill five-week-old puppy in Ahlgren’s care. With assistance from Prospect Animal Control, the puppy was taken to an emergency veterinary hospital. Due to the severity of its condition, the puppy was euthanized. A subsequent examination identified bacterial pneumonia and evidence of inadequate nutrition. On August 20, Naugatuck Police and Naugatuck Animal Control executed search warrants at Ahlgren’s Celentano Drive property, where 16 dogs, including multiple young puppies, were seized. (Please note that these dogs are currently in the care of Naugatuck Animal Control as pictured, and are not available for adoption at this time as this case proceeds through the court system.)

Officers found unsanitary conditions, including f***s and urine throughout the home, and reported finding no dog food. The residence had no running water and was condemned by the borough’s building inspector. As a result of this investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained charging Ahlgren with 16 counts of Cruelty to Animals, 4 counts of No Dog/Cat Vaccination, and 4 counts of Failure to Comply with Dog Ownership requirements. She was processed on this arrest warrant on October 1 and held on a $50,000 bond. (Case Number 2600017735)

Ahlgren was also processed on a second arrest warrant stemming from an investigation into a fraudulent advertisement posted on an adult classifieds website using the photographs and personal information of the Naugatuck Animal Control Officer involved in the animal cruelty investigation. The advertisement falsely portrayed the ACO as offering sexual services, listed her former home address and encouraged strangers to arrive without calling. During their investigation, Naugatuck Detectives obtained digital records linking the account used to post the online advertisement to Ahlgren. For this case, Ahlgren was charged with Harassment in the Second Degree, Breach of Peace in the Second Degree, Stalking in the Second Degree, and Criminal Impersonation. She was held on an additional $50,000 bond. (Case Number 2600018138)

Ahlgren also had an outstanding arrest warrant for Failure to Appear in the Second Degree stemming from a DUI case originating in June 2026. She was processed on this warrant and held on an additional $10,000 bond. (Case Number 2600014076)

Ahlgren appeared in Waterbury Superior Court this morning, October 2, 2026, on the charges associated with all three arrest warrants.

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10/02/2026

Man Arrested After Being Found Unresponsive Behind the Wheel in School Driveway

On September 30, 2026, at approximately 9:05 a.m., Naugatuck Police responded to the intersection of Spencer Street and Andrew Avenue, which serves as the main driveway access to Andrew Avenue Elementary School, for a report of an unresponsive driver.

Officers found Aidon Young, 37, of Naugatuck, behind the wheel with the vehicle running and in drive, with his foot on the brake. Emergency personnel broke a window to gain access, and Young was transported to Waterbury Hospital for evaluation.

Witnesses reported observations during school drop-off that raised concerns about possible impairment. Whether impairment contributed to this incident remains under investigation. The Department of Children and Families was notified and is also investigating.

Young was arrested and charged with Reckless Driving in a School Zone and Risk of Injury to a Child. He was held on a $10,000 bond pending a scheduled October 1 appearance in Waterbury Superior Court.

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10/01/2026

Attempt to ID

Naugatuck Police are looking to identify the man pictured in connection with an attempted theft at Walmart on New Haven Road on September 21.

Store employees reported that the man placed over $600 worth of sports trading cards inside a box of chips. When asset protection staff approached him near the exit, he ran from the store and left the merchandise behind. He was seen leaving in a black Honda CR-V the plate on the vehicle was unidentifiable.

Anyone who recognizes the man or has information about the vehicle is asked to contact the Naugatuck Police Department at 203-729-5222 or the confidential tip line at 203-720-1010.

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09/29/2026

Naugatuck Burglary Suspect Arrested at Tweed Airport

Naugatuck Police were called to a home on September 26 after a resident reported that a man, identified as Taijon Marquest Cooper, age 32 of Bridgeport, had forcefully entered the residence. Taijon was identified as a former partner of one of the occupants and he no longer resided in the home.

Taijon had fled before police arrived, after being confronted by the residents, one of whom displayed a fi***rm that they were lawfully carrying. No injuries to the residents were reported.

During this investigation, officers received information that Taijon might be at Tweed Airport attempting to flee. New Haven Police assisted, found Cooper waiting for a flight, and took him into custody without issue.

Taijon was transported back to Naugatuck Police Headquarters for processing regarding this incident and another separate incident for which an active arrest warrant had been issued, stemming from a similar past incident at the same home in June.

Taijon was charged with the following for the incident on September 26, Violation of CGS 53a-101, Burglary First Degree, CGS 53a-182, Disorderly Conduct, and CGS 53a-116, Criminal Mischief Second Degree.

Regarding his active arrest warrant for the previously reported incident in June (CN260018974), Taijon was charged with violations of CGS 53a-101, Burglary First Degree, and CGS 53a-181, Breach of Peace Second Degree.
Taijon was held on a combined 200k bond for the above incidents and was brought to Waterbury Superior Court this morning, 09/29 at 0900 hours.

We thank the New Haven Police Department for their swift response and for apprehending the suspect as he attempted to flee from justice.

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09/28/2026

Congratulations to Officer Baptiste and Officer Fredericks, who were recently recognized by MADD Connecticut for their work identifying and arresting impaired drivers.

Impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk, and this recognition reflects the time and effort they put into keeping our community safe. We’re proud to have them representing Naugatuck.