Waterbury's streets have been busy lately. If you’ve been following the latest breaking news Waterbury CT updates, you know it’s been a mix of intense police activity, infrastructure headaches, and a few surprisingly heartwarming stories that actually managed to break through the noise.
Honestly, it feels like the city is trying to catch its breath after a rough December. Between the massive water main break that left everyone scrambling for bottled water and the uptick in stolen vehicle investigations, there is a lot to unpack.
Let's get into what's actually going on right now.
The Police Blotter: Stolen Cars and Sudden Arrests
The Waterbury Police Department hasn't had much downtime this January. Just a couple of days ago, on January 13, 2026, things got pretty chaotic during a stolen vehicle investigation. Officers tried to pull over a car, and instead of stopping, the people inside decided to make a run for it—literally.
Both the driver and passenger bailed out of the moving vehicle at the same time. Police eventually caught up with them, identifying one of the suspects as Kevin Webster. It’s part of a larger trend the city is fighting; the WPD has been aggressive with their Auto Theft Task Force, which has been making arrests almost weekly, including a recent one involving a red dirt bike on Silver Street.
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Then there’s the hit-and-run news that has everyone on edge. Police finally caught up with Dion Schontten, a 23-year-old local, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that happened late last month. It took some time to piece together the evidence, but the arrest was made on January 8.
And if you were driving near Pearl Lake Road in the middle of the night on January 7, you might have seen the aftermath of a single-car crash. Officers ended up arresting a man for DUI after his Jeep Grand Cherokee decided it didn't want to stay on the road anymore.
That Million-Dollar Water Main Bill
Remember that massive water main break on Thomaston Avenue? The one that forced a citywide boil water advisory and had the National Guard handing out water?
Well, the repairs are officially done as of early January 2026. But the "breaking" part of this news is the price tag. Mayor Paul Pernerewski recently dropped the news that the city is looking at a bill north of $2 million—maybe even hitting $2.5 million once all the emergency invoices are counted.
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The system is old. Everyone knows it. Superintendent Brad Malay admitted they were making plans "on the fly" because parts weren't available and the weather was, frankly, miserable.
The city is now pushing for federal and state cash to fix the aging pipes before another "explosive" break happens. They’re currently installing new valves to make sure that if a pipe bursts in the future, they can shut off a small section instead of the whole city. Basically, they're trying to prevent another December disaster.
Why Breaking News Waterbury CT Includes a Lost Dog
Amidst the crime and the infrastructure bills, a story about a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Juju has actually been the talk of the town.
Gladys Rivera lost her dog a year ago. She’d given up hope. She thought Juju was gone forever after he vanished from her yard. Then, out of nowhere on January 15, 2026, she got the call. Juju was found. It’s the kind of news that reminds people that even in a city with Waterbury's "tough" reputation, good things still happen in the background.
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What Else is Popping Up Around Town?
- Best Buy is coming: There’s talk in the business circles about electronics retailer Best Buy looking to set up a new shop in the city.
- The Mattatuck Museum: They just launched a new partnership with the New England Sculpture Association. If you want to see something other than a police siren, that's where to go this week.
- MLK Day Preparations: City Hall is getting ready for the NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Day event on January 19. It’s a big deal every year, and they’re expecting a large turnout.
Staying Warm in the Brass City
It’s freezing. Like, "don't leave your house if you don't have to" freezing. The city has activated its Severe Cold Weather Protocol.
The North End Recreation Center has been converted into an emergency warming shelter. If you see someone out in the cold, or if your own heating is acting up, that’s the place to go. They’re coordinating with the state to make sure no one is left out in the sub-zero temps we're seeing this week.
Final Thoughts and Moving Forward
Waterbury is a city in transition. You’ve got the old-school industrial problems—like the $2.5 million water pipes—clashing with new growth and a very active police force.
If you're living here or just passing through, here is how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Sign up for Waterbury Alerts: If another water main blows, you don't want to be the last person to know you can't drink the tap water.
- Watch your car: The Auto Theft Task Force is working hard, but stolen cars are still a major issue. Lock your doors and don't leave your keys in the ignition, even for a "quick" run into the store.
- Support local business: With news of places like Best Buy moving in, it's a good time to keep an eye on the Downtown Strategic Plan and see how the city is trying to use those blighted buildings for new housing.
The Brass City has its scars, but it's clearly not slowing down. Keep an eye on the local boards for the next Board of Aldermen meeting on January 20—that’s where the real talk about the budget and those infrastructure repairs is going to happen.