Dashboard and body camera footage has been released of the Merritt Parkway accident in Westport last July, involving WWE co-founder Vince McMahon.
Driving northbound near Exit 20 (formerly Exit 41) at a speed of 110 to 115 miles an hour, the 79-year-old Greenwich resident slammed his Bentley Continental GT into the back of a BMW. He caromed off a guardrail, then continued driving before a Connecticut state trooper pulled him over.
The WWE owner told the officer he was in a hurry to get to his granddaughter’s birthday.
He received a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and following too closely, and was released at the scene on a $500 bond. In October, he was granted accelerated rehabilitation for one year, on the condition he make a charitable contribution.
Click here or below to see the accident, and the aftermath with the state trooper. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
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As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds into its 4th year, a special event will raise funds for besieged towns.
One of those is Lyman — Westport’s sister city. It was the first of several established by Ukraine Aid International, the not-for-profit founded by Westport brothers Brian and Marshall Mayer. UAI provides humanitarian aid to Ukrainian communities near the Russian border.
Next Thursday (March 5, 7 p.m.,), “Keys of Resilience” brings Ukrainian pianist Ruslan Ramazanoy to the Westport Country Playhouse. He rebuilt his life in the US following the 2022 invasion, and is now a faculty member witht the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
He’ll offer interpretations of masters like Brahms, Chopin, Liszt and Gershwin, and introduce the audience to contemporary Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk.
In addition, Connecticut-born Ukrainian-American soprano Teryn Kuzma — a 4th-generation bandurist — will play the 55-stringed harp-zither.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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The Board of Education meets tonight (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
The 2 main agenda items are the schools’ screen time survey, and the quarterly financial report.
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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys basketball team.
Last night they routed a strong Ridgefield squad 67-49, to complete the regular season 20-0.
That remarkable run includes 15 FCIAC (league) wins), and victories over non-league Wilbur Cross-New Haven, Ramapo, Archbishop Molloy, Taconic and Scarsdale Highs. The latter 4 are out-of-state teams.
The closest contest was 53-51, over Fairfield Ludlowe. Two weeks ago, the Wreckers handled then-undefeated Trumbull by 18 points. Every other win too was by double digits.
Coach Dave Goldshore and his senior-laden ballers begin the FCIAC tournament this Saturday (February 28), with a 1:45 p.m. tipoff at Staples.
Coach Tommy Sparks’ girls team — who suffered only 2 losses in league play this year — are the first part of that FCIAC quarterfinal doubleheader. Their game starts at noon.
Staples basketball senior Drew Hill. (Photo/John Walker)
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Jennaty Med Spa — a boutique medical aesthetics and wellness spa — has just opened on the 2nd floor at 991 Post Road East (across from Starbucks).
It was cofounded by 2 nurses. They wanted to create “a private, concierge style wellness space, where patients feel genuinely cared for.”
They focus on IV hydration and wellness therapy, advanced injectables (Botox, dermal fillers), regenerative treatments and personalized aesthetic consultations.
The atmosphere is “intimate, elevated, and designed to feel more like a private wellness lounge than a traditional med spa.” Jennaty believes in “natural results, ethical practice, and long-term relationships with our clients.”
For more information, click here.
PS: The name comes from the nicknames of the 2 founders: Jennifer Velazquez and Natalia Cardona.
Jennaty Med Spa founders: Jen and Naty.
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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — celebrates “the green” (aka St. Patrick’s Day) at a very appropriate place: Green’s Farms Church.
The March 9 event (6:30 to 8 p.m.) includes Irish-themed bites by Lyfe Cafê, live Irish favorites from Peter Kozak, and sweet green treats by Avery Horne.
As always, art with MoCA\CT adds a festive flair to the celebration. Guests are encouraged to (of course) wear green. Click here for more information, and registration.
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Sure, anyone can build a snowman. (And there has been more than enough snow with which to do it lately.)
But not everyone can make a creation as whimsical as this one, at the corner of Hillandale Road and Center Street.
David Squires snapped the scene, and adds: “I believe he’s hitchhiking to a warmer destination. The snow-covered sign reads Florida (I think).”
(Photo/David Squires)
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests, between February 18 and 24.
An 18-year-old Meriden man was charged with larceny, theft of a payment card, charging less than $500 on a stolen/revoked payment card, and identity theft, following theft of a wallet from a car that was in an unlocked garage, with the garage door open. He was released on a $50,000 bond.
A 71-year-old Westport man was charged with operating under the influence and evading responsibility, following a motor vehicle accident in the Riko’s Pizza parking lot. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Texting while driving: 7 citations
- Failure to renew registration: 5
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
- Failure to obey stop sign: 3
- Speeding in a school zone, 2nd offense: 1
- Failure to remove snow/ice from roof:
- Tinted glass violation: 1
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
- Failure to obey traffic control signals 1.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: It’s not just courteous to remove snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof. It’s the law!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” features doggie couture: the blizzard look.
(Photo/Cat Malkin)
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And finally … the item about Vince McMahon (above) brought to mind:
(If you appreciate “06880”‘s coverage of law enforcement matters — from our weekly Police Reports, to an item like the one on Vince McMahon — please click here to support our work. 10-4.)
That State Trooper was cool introducing himself and then telling Vince “I know who you are!” Saving Vince from speaking the terrible “Do you know who I am?” Very polite.
All Vince needed to do is apologize in an email and everyone would be complementing him. See ,see, he apologized!!! What an amazing person!!!
he did apologise, criticised himself for being so stupid right then and there; this isn’t the full story.
What a jerk. He could have killed someone.
Susan, Both him and his wife are horrible people! They are absolutely disgusting and the worst people you could possibly imagine!!
Hey Jack, lets pump the brakes there, keyboard warrior. The big “Vince McMahon arrest” story blowing up today is him rear-ending someone at 100+ mph in his Bentley last summer; got cited for reckless driving, already did the pretrial probation thing with a charity donation, and no jail time in sight. It’s a traffic mishap, not a perp walk for world domination.
If you’re gonna rage-comment about someone being “the worst people you could possibly imagine,” maybe save the nuclear-level hyperbole for the actual serious allegations still floating around from years ago, not a grandpa speeding to his granddaughter’s birthday (his excuse, anyway).
But sure, keep yelling into the void about how “both him and his wife” are pure evil over a fender-bender video release. Solid contribution to the discourse, champ. Maybe take a lap on the Merritt Parkway yourself (at under 100 mph) and cool off.
You can take away the car keys but not the keyboard….
does that apply to the president of the USA ?
Thanks for proving my point.
TDS‼️
Seek professional assistance 🙏
He can’t wait for professional assistance. An amateur is better than nothing.
Ryan, I could always talk about Trump and his wife, but I’m being nice today and won’t mention the two.
Find a hobby Jack.
Naveen, What would a hobby have anything to do with commenting on 06880. I must clarify when I wrote “ his wife” it referred to Linda, not Melania. What I wrote wasn’t clear and could have been mistaken. The emphasis is her, not the speeder.
Actually Jack, you need some friends, not internet friends.
Good luck Jack.
Naveen,
Meanie!!!!! I’m Jack’s friend. You’re not.
Naveen, I have zero social media and never had any. No Facebook, No instagram, No Tik Tok, No X. I’ve never bought anything on line. I’ve never bought anything from Amazon. We’ll meet in July at Compo Beach at Dan’s party. Then you can get to know me!
Jack, I’ll be at Dan’s party (incognito, of course). I will protect you.
Naveen, There was a time that literally every single person in Westport knew my family! Literally everyone! Today I’m corresponding with Hanne Jeppesen! She was in town in 1968.
Hey Jack, oh wow, pivoting to Trump and Melania now? Real classy move, nothing says “I’m being nice today” like dangling a vague threat to trash-talk another couple while pretending you’re taking the high road.
But seriously, get a life. The day’s news is a grandpa in a Bentley doing 100+ mph on the Merritt Parkway (local Westport flavor, no less), not some grand conspiracy of evil overlords. There are way better ways to spend your Thursday afternoon than rage-commenting about random rich people and their spouses on every thread that pops up. Touch grass, hit the gym, watch some actual wrestling, or go for a drive yourself (under the speed limit).
You’ve got better things to do than play internet hall monitor for billionaires’ traffic tickets.
No Ryan, It’s pivoting to Linda and Trump. But why do I comment so much? A woman interviewed a few times by the FBI says Trump raped her at age 13 .Think about that! Why isn’t he being investigated for a rape allegation, especially when he bragged publicly he can do anything he wants to ANY woman!!
Hey, Ryan, There are way better ways to spend your Thursday afternoon than rage-commenting about someone else’s comments. Before telling other people to get a life you might trying doing the same yourself. Lord knows you seem to need one.
Hey Mike and Jack,
Let’s be clear: I’m not losing sleep over your comments, and I’m certainly not the one still here at this hour, chained to a comment thread about a traffic citation turned into a personal vendetta. You two, however, appear to have made this your evening’s main event.
Jack, your pivot from Vince McMahon’s speeding ticket to recycled, long-debunked allegations about Trump is textbook deflection—loud, insistent, and entirely beside the point. The FBI looked into those claims years ago; nothing stuck. Repeating them doesn’t make them true, and shoehorning them into an unrelated conversation doesn’t make you insightful. It just makes you predictable.
Mike, your attempt at moral superiority—“Lord knows you seem to need one”—is almost endearing in its clumsiness. You’re lecturing me about wasting time while posting sanctimonious replies well into the night at 8:57PM. The irony is so thick it’s practically self-parody. If you’re genuinely concerned about how people spend their evenings, perhaps start with a mirror.
Both of you remind me of the sort of people who, during the Vietnam era, would spit in the faces of returning veterans; not because they understood the war or its complexities, but because it gave them a cheap sense of moral superiority. Same energy: loud condemnation, zero nuance, and an unshakable belief that shouting in public makes you righteous. It didn’t then, and it doesn’t now.
You’re simply broadcasting, at volume, that you have nothing better to do than police strangers’ opinions on a minor news item. I don’t share that problem. I’ve already moved on (hours ago) to things that actually matter.
So keep typing if it helps fill the void. I’ll be over here, unbothered, living a life that doesn’t revolve around winning imaginary arguments in comment sections. Enjoy the rest of your night/day gentlemen. Peace.
I enlisted in December 1969 and I’m a proud veteran ! Your comment about spitting on soldiers was disgraceful.
Wait, wait, so here’s a man, having just written 5, count ’em, 5 long paragraphs in the comments section, calling me to task for writing a 1 paragraph comment?!? Am I missing something here? And, oh, by the way, sir, 8:57PM has not been “well into the night” for me since I was potty trained. And finally, please point out to all of us the words in my original comment that led you to write “Both of you remind me of the sort of people who, during the Vietnam era, would spit in the faces of returning veterans” And since it’s now REALY well into the night, I’m sure you’re all tucked away cozy in bed so sweet, sweet dreams.
I’ve never met a single person who has commented on this particular post. I was INSULTED with that “ spitting “ comment! February 6, 1970, there was two inches of snow and it was a cold morning, I was at the Bridgeport railroad station waiting for the train that would eventually take me to Basic Training. 36K20 was my MOS- Military Occupational Specialty. To Dan Woog- I’m over the limits of comments, but please let this comment stay! I want these strangers to know I served honorably!
He should have been arrested and jailed. He absolutely could have killed someone.
So- I asked AI- What happens if you are caught driving 110 mph on Merritt Parkway?
Leads to an Arrest Automatic Reckless Driving:
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-222, driving over 85 mph on any road is automatically classified as Reckless Driving.
Criminal Offense: Unlike a standard speeding infraction, reckless driving is a misdemeanor crime. A summons for this charge is considered a criminal arrest and will appear on a permanent criminal record.
“Excessive” Reckless Driving: As of late 2025, Connecticut has enforced even stricter laws for “super speeders” exceeding 100 mph. This specifically targets extreme speeds with enhanced penalties.
Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer
Potential Penalties for 110 mph
Consequence First Offense Subsequent Offenses
Fines $200 – $600 Up to $1,000
Jail Time Up to 30 days Up to 1 year
License 30–90 day suspension At least 90 days suspension
Vehicle Potential impoundment if a prior conviction exists 48-hour impoundment
Note: The Merritt Parkway (Route 15) is particularly dangerous for these speeds due to its narrow lanes and lack of shoulders, which may lead officers to add additional charges for “endangering the life of any person”.
C G A – Connecticut General Assembly (.gov)
He struck a BMW and fled the scene. No mention of consequences for that.
In Connecticut, leaving the scene of an accident is referred to as “evading responsibility” under Connecticut General Statutes §14-224. This law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop, provide their information, and assist anyone who may be injured; failing to do so can result in serious legal penalties, including fines and jail time.
Normal people leave in time to get to their appointments without having to drive irresponsibly. No doubt he caused a backup and made many other eople late for appointments. Vince is probably more annoyed at how he was inconvenienced than having any remorse for his behavior.
Lately I’ve been posting really negative posts, so I need to say something positive and nice. Dan Woog is a fantastic person, a hard working person, and as far as I’m concerned, his nickname is Mr. Westport!!
Jack,
You are SO right.
10 comments per thread?
I missed that memo, somehow
This stinks to high heaven. The fact that this creature hit someone should have put him behind bars, but even if he hadn’t, here’s what Gemini offers:
Because you are traveling at exactly double the speed limit, the situation moves from a simple ticket into criminal territory. Here is the breakdown of what typically happens:
1. Reckless Driving Charges
In Connecticut, driving over 85 mph on any highway is automatically considered Reckless Driving (CGS § 14-222).
• Criminal Record: This is a class D misdemeanor, not a simple infraction. You will likely be handcuffed, and your car will almost certainly be impounded on the spot.
• Fines: For a first offense, fines can range from $100 to $300. However, the court costs and “fees” usually push this much higher.
• Jail Time: You can face up to 30 days in jail for a first offense.
2. Immediate License Suspension
The DMV takes speed very seriously. If convicted of reckless driving:
• First Offense: Your license is usually suspended for at least 30 to 90 days.
• Subsequent Offenses: If it’s not your first time, you’re looking at up to a 6-month suspension and potential prison time (up to one year).
3. The “Merritt” Factor
State Troopers patrol the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) heavily because of its historic design.
• Safety Risk: Because there are no breakdown lanes and very short on-ramps, 110 mph is viewed by judges as “endangering the life of any person other than the operator.” This allows the state to pursue more aggressive prosecution.
• Insurance: Your insurance premiums will skyrocket. Many carriers will drop you entirely after a 110-mph reckless driving conviction, forcing you into high-risk “SR-22” insurance which is incredibly expensive.
4. …Reckless Driving (110 in a 55)
Legal Classification Criminal Misdemeanor
Court Appearance Mandatory
Permanent Record Criminal Record
Immediate Towing Highly Likely
I’m shocked at his age. I have to rethink everything now. The crazies on the parkway who drive darting in and out are not all under the age of 30? I thought they were all Joysick video game-taught drivers, who I live in fear of, because they fly by without regard for anything and everything. I view this kind of driving as one of the biggest problems we have in this country….top 3 for sure.
I’m shocked, shocked that yet another well-known, entitled person was not breathalyzed on the spot or seemingly held accountable for anything. (for those who wonder – yes, this is an echo of that famous Casablanca line)
Dear Lord, did you even read the article?
This thread is closed to further comments.