Possible Powerball winner claims to have lost ticket

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) - Connecticut is still waiting to find out who won the big Powerball jackpot.

The man who claims to be the winner says he lost his ticket.

Belltown Superette is a popular store in Stamford, even more so since a city sanitation worker says he bought the winning $254 million Powerball ticket there.

Suni Patel says she's been asked that question at least 254 times over the last day and a half.

"Im repeating same story, same story, I'm just tired of saying same thing," says Patel. "He said it's his number, but he can't find the ticket, lost ticket , so I don't know what to say," says Patel.

She and her husband own both convenience stores on Belltown Road. The couple contacted Lottery officials, but they wouldn't tell them much. News 8 called as well, but no one called back.

Regular customers say the store has a reputation for selling winning tickets.

"My grandfather right here. Number 29. He played my aunts, that's my aunt's birthday. He won $1 million," says Alexis Nanos of Stamford.

Since the latest win this week, they're seeing new faces coming in to buy tickets.

"I saw a few, stranger customers who never come in here before," says Patel.

Mickey Alessi is hoping he's the next big winner.

"I hit $400 five times," says Alessi.

Regular Powerball players are jealous, but they truly hope the man who claims to have lost the winning ticket finds it.