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Bridgeport, CT

Shelton Police Make Bust After Rash Of Car Break-Ins; Suspect Crashes In Failed Getaway: Cops Shelton Police Make Bust After Rash Of Car Break-Ins; Suspect Crashes In Failed Getaway: Cops
Shelton Police Make Bust After Rash Of Car Break-Ins; Suspect Crashes In Failed Getaway: Cops After a string of at least 25 vehicle break-ins over the past several days, police in Connecticut arrested a man with burglary tools after he led officers on a foot chase, authorities said. Jostyne Morales-Ortiz, 27, of Bridgeport, was arrested Sunday night, March 3, in Shelton and faces multiple charges, police said. Shelton police increased patrols downtown after more than two dozen vehicle break-ins were reported. During one of those sweeps, Officer Ray Laudato noticed a stolen car in a Cornell Street parking lot. When he approached the vehicle, the driver sped off, nearly hitting the of…
Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says
Northeast Cities Among Most Diverse In US: Here's What A New Study Says The US population is rapidly diversifying, with cities in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic at the forefront, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 ranking of the nation's Most Diverse Cities on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Three Maryland communities topped the list of 501 locations, which were evaluated based on socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household, and religious diversity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 10.2 percent of Americans identified as multiracial in 2020, a sharp increase from just 2.9 percent in 2010. "The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many …
Woman Critically Injured After Car Slams Into Tree On Route 15 In Trumbull Woman Critically Injured After Car Slams Into Tree On Route 15 In Trumbull
Woman Critically Injured After Car Slams Into Tree On Route 15 In Trumbull A 27-year-old Connecticut woman was seriously injured Friday, Feb. 28, after her car careened off of a highway and struck a tree, police said.  State police were called to an area near the Park Avenue exit (Exit 47) on Route 15 in Trumbull around 3:45 a.m. An initial investigation found that the Bridgeport woman's Mazda left the road for an unknown reason and crashed into a tree.  Paramedics rushed her to Saint Vincent Hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.  State police urge any witnesses or anyone with information on the crash to contact Trooper Roberto Jua…
Sikorsky Memorial Airport Building Goes Up In Flames In Bridgeport Sikorsky Memorial Airport Building Goes Up In Flames In Bridgeport
Sikorsky Memorial Airport Building Goes Up In Flames In Bridgeport An early-morning fire at a Connecticut airport severely damaged a building in Fairfield County. Firefighters responded to Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Bridgeport around 6:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, after a blaze broke out at the Civil Air Patrol building. The 1.5-story structure was fully engulfed when crews arrived. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported. The Bridgeport Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
Bridgeport's 'Cannibal Killer' Granted Conditional Release; Leaders Blast 'Outrageous' Decision Bridgeport's 'Cannibal Killer' Granted Conditional Release; Leaders Blast 'Outrageous' Decision
Bridgeport's 'Cannibal Killer' Granted Conditional Release; Leaders Blast 'Outrageous' Decision A Bridgeport man held in a psychiatric facility for more than a decade after admitting to killing a man and eating parts of his brain and other body parts received a "conditional release" on Friday, Feb. 21. Tyree Smith was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2011 killing of Angel Gonzalez, a homeless man, at an abandoned home, the CT Post reported in 2013. A three-judge panel ruled Smith was insane and should be held in a psychiatric hospital for 60 years. Gonzalez’s family said at the time that they wanted to see Smith locked up for the rest of his life, especially giv…
3 Bridgeport Council Members Among 5 Busted in Absentee Ballot Fraud Probe: State 3 Bridgeport Council Members Among 5 Busted in Absentee Ballot Fraud Probe: State
3 Bridgeport Council Members Among 5 Busted in Absentee Ballot Fraud Probe: State Five people, including three Bridgeport City Council members and the vice chair of a local Democratic committee, have been arrested in connection with absentee ballot fraud during Bridgeport’s 2023 Democratic mayoral primary, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin announced. Statewide Prosecution Bureau investigators arrested council members Alfredo Castillo, 53, Jazmarie Melendez, 26, and Maria Pereira, 57, along with longtime political operative Wanda Geter-Pataky, 68, all of Bridgeport, and Margaret Joyce, 45, of Stratford, authorities said Friday, Feb. 21. The charges follow…
Louisiana-Inspired Daiquiris, Cajun Eats Arrive In Bridgeport At New Restaurant Louisiana-Inspired Daiquiris, Cajun Eats Arrive In Bridgeport At New Restaurant
Louisiana-Inspired Daiquiris, Cajun Eats Arrive In Bridgeport At New Restaurant A taste of New Orleans has arrived in Connecticut. Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory opened in downtown Bridgeport, bringing its Louisiana-inspired flavors and signature frozen cocktails to Fairfield County. The restaurant at 997 Main Street held a soft opening on Friday, Feb. 7. Known for its bold Southern dishes and colorful daiquiris, the restaurant offers a menu featuring Cajun classics like gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and alligator bites. Customers can choose from a variety of signature daiquiris, including hurricane, peach, and piña colada. Southern Classic also offers plenty of other …
Expect To See Former 'SNL' Cast Members With CT Ties During 50th Anniversary Show Expect To See Former 'SNL' Cast Members With CT Ties During 50th Anniversary Show
Expect To See Former 'SNL' Cast Members With CT Ties During 50th Anniversary Show "Saturday Night Live" will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend, and two former castmates with Connecticut connections will be on hand. No native of the Nutmeg State has ever been among the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players," but two performers with state ties who made big impacts on the iconic NBC sketch show are scheduled to appear on the Sunday, Feb. 16, anniversary show.  Those are Kevin Nealon and Bobby Moynihan. Related: SNL's Colin Jost To Host Comedy Show At Mohegan Sun Arena Nealon — born in Texas but raised in Bridgeport — was part of the NBC series from 1986 un…
Bridgeport Man Robbed By Middle School Friend Over $10 Ride Home: Police Bridgeport Man Robbed By Middle School Friend Over $10 Ride Home: Police
Bridgeport Man Robbed By Middle School Friend Over $10 Ride Home: Police A Connecticut man was attacked inside a car after a former middle school classmate allegedly turned a ride home into a violent robbery attempt, state police said. Manuel Diaz, 30, of Norwalk, was arrested early Wednesday, Feb. 12, after a Bridgeport man called police following the alleged attack, according to Connecticut State Police. Troopers responded to the southbound Exit 29 on-ramp of I-95 around 1:15 a.m. and found an Acura TL parked at an angle against the guardrail with both passenger doors wide open. The car’s interior was in disarray, showing signs of a struggle, police said. The…
Sex Offender ID'd As 'Peeping Tom' Banging On Bridgeport Apartment Windows, Police Say Sex Offender ID'd As 'Peeping Tom' Banging On Bridgeport Apartment Windows, Police Say
Sex Offender ID'd As 'Peeping Tom' Banging On Bridgeport Apartment Windows, Police Say Bridgeport police arrested a registered sex offender while investigating reports of a "Peeping Tom" in a neighborhood plagued by suspicious activity, authorities said. Officers responded to 655 Palisades Avenue on Monday, Feb. 4, after residents reported a man banging on windows and peering into apartments, according to the Bridgeport Police Department. The area had recently seen a rise in concerns over trespassers and attempted break-ins. During their investigation, officers made contact with Kevin Tucker, who was found to be in violation of unrelated offenses, police said. Records show he…
ICE Arrests Convicted Sex Offender In CT Following Prison Release ICE Arrests Convicted Sex Offender In CT Following Prison Release
ICE Arrests Convicted Sex Offender In CT Following Prison Release U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a 52-year-old Brazilian national who was convicted in Connecticut of sexual assault, unlawful restraint, and violating a restraining order, authorities said. Emerson Eduardo Ferreira was taken into custody on Jan. 24, in Brooklyn, CT, after being released from state custody, ICE officials said. According to Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Ferreira entered the U.S. lawfully on April 27, 1999, but later violated the terms of his admission and "brutally victimized a Connecticu…
Ex-Con Tosses Gun Loaded With 15 Rounds Of Ammo During Police Chase In Bridgeport: Cops Ex-Con Tosses Gun Loaded With 15 Rounds Of Ammo During Police Chase In Bridgeport: Cops
Ex-Con Tosses Gun Loaded With 15 Rounds Of Ammo During Police Chase In Bridgeport: Cops A 33-year-old convicted felon was arrested after fleeing from police and tossing a loaded handgun in Fairfield County, authorities said. The Bridgeport Regional Task Force had been investigating Kevin Reese, of Bridgeport, for drug and firearm violations throughout January 2025, police said on Tuesday, Feb. 11. On Jan. 29, Fairfield Police attempted to pull over a gray Dodge Charger, but the driver, later identified as Reese, fled from officers, police said. Later that day, Task Force Officers spotted Reese on East Washington Avenue in Bridgeport approaching the same vehicle. When officers…
Bridgeport Fugitive Wanted For Killing Neighbor, Dad Of 8 In 2009 Captured In Spain: Cops Bridgeport Fugitive Wanted For Killing Neighbor, Dad Of 8 In 2009 Captured In Spain: Cops
Bridgeport Fugitive Wanted For Killing Neighbor, Dad Of 8 In 2009 Captured In Spain: Cops A fugitive wanted for the 2009 murder of a Bridgeport father was captured in Spain and extradited to the United States, authorities announced. Marques Wanderson, 46, was taken into custody by the Spanish National Police in August 2024. U.S. Marshals transported him back to the U.S. on Thursday, February 6, and immediately handed him over to Bridgeport Police. Police say Wanderson is responsible for the Aug. 2, 2009, shooting death of 49-year-old Harold Gantt at an apartment complex on the 200 block of Madison Avenue. Bridgeport officers responded to reports of gunfire that night and found …
State Slams ‘Flawed’ Investigation Behind Fatal Bridgeport Police Shooting State Slams ‘Flawed’ Investigation Behind Fatal Bridgeport Police Shooting
State Slams ‘Flawed’ Investigation Behind Fatal Bridgeport Police Shooting A state investigation released this week found that a fatal police shooting of an unarmed man last year was "questionable" and stemmed from a "flawed" investigation. However, investigators said there was not enough evidence to prosecute the officers.  Jonathan Mark Lewis Bell, 39, was shot and killed in Ansonia on Feb. 4, 2024, after Bridgeport narcotics police received a tip that a suspected drug dealer known as "JB" was carrying a gun in his Mercedes-Benz SUV, Office of Inspector General report said.  Without confirming the presence of a weapon, officers tried to pull over…
Everywhere ICE Agents Have Been Spotted In CT; What To Know About Raids, Your Rights Everywhere ICE Agents Have Been Spotted In CT; What To Know About Raids, Your Rights
Everywhere ICE Agents Have Been Spotted In CT; What To Know About Raids, Your Rights As President Donald Trump pushes ahead with his controversial initiative to detain and deport millions of migrants, people across Connecticut have begun reporting on social media where they’ve spotted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. ICE agents have spread out nationwide, arresting more than 5,500 people in the first week of Trump’s presidency, according to ABC News — nearly tripling the number of arrests in an average week during Joe Biden’s term. NBC News reported the agency has a daily quota of 1,250 to 1,500 arrests.  However, tracking these arrests and detain…
2 Seriously Injured In Shelton Rollover Crash; CT Police Close Route 8 For Hours 2 Seriously Injured In Shelton Rollover Crash; CT Police Close Route 8 For Hours
2 Seriously Injured In Shelton Rollover Crash; CT Police Close Route 8 For Hours Connecticut State Police shut down a portion of Route 8 in Fairfield County Thursday morning, Jan. 30, after a car careened off the road, rolled over, and hit a utility police.  The crash was reported just after 9:30 a.m. in Shelton when the Honda Civic crossed three lanes of traffic and went off the road near Exit 11 Northbound. Both people inside the car were ejected when the vehicle hit the pole, police said.  The 31-year-old driver and 32-year-old passenger, both men from Bridgeport, were rushed to Bridgeport Hospital with serious injuries. An update on their condition wa…
Driver Flashes Gun, Smile In Road Rage Incident On I-95 In Fairfield: Police Driver Flashes Gun, Smile In Road Rage Incident On I-95 In Fairfield: Police
Driver Flashes Gun, Smile In Road Rage Incident On I-95 In Fairfield: Police A road-rage encounter on I-95 South took a dangerous turn Tuesday morning when a driver allegedly brandished a gun and smirked before speeding off, state police said. The tense moments unfolded around 10:15 a.m. near Exit 19 in Fairfield when a motorist called 911, reporting that another driver had pulled out a firearm during a heated traffic dispute. According to state police, the altercation began when a gray Ford pickup tried to merge into the center lane without enough space, forcing the caller to swerve to avoid a crash. After passing the pickup in slower traffic, the caller noticed th…
Intoxicated Derby Driver Punches, Spits On Cop In Bridgeport: Police Intoxicated Derby Driver Punches, Spits On Cop In Bridgeport: Police
Intoxicated Derby Driver Punches, Spits On Cop In Bridgeport: Police A 28-year-old New Haven County woman who was driving erratically over the weekend attacked troopers who were trying to help her, Connecticut State Police said. Jessica Reyes, of Derby, was arrested late Saturday, Jan. 25, and charged with operating under the influence, improper parking on a highway, interfering with an officer, and two counts of assault on public safety personnel, authorities said. Troopers received a 911 call around 11:50 p.m. reporting a Jeep had driven into the median on southbound Route 8 near Exit 7 in Bridgeport. When officers arrived, they found an SUV parked in the…
Stratford Woman Killed In New Jersey Crash Remembered For Her Warmth, Generosity Stratford Woman Killed In New Jersey Crash Remembered For Her Warmth, Generosity
Stratford Woman Killed In New Jersey Crash Remembered For Her Warmth, Generosity A 40-year-old Connecticut woman who was killed last week in a chain-reaction crash in New Jersey was known for her compassion and care for her loved ones and her remarkable generosity, her family said.  Lauren Kopko, of Stratford, died on Thurs., Jan. 16, when her Honda was involved in a four-car pileup on Route 287 in Mahwah, NJ. She would have celebrated her 41st birthday on Sat., Jan. 25. The Bridgeport native rose through the ranks at Breyer Horses in Pequannock, NJ, to become project manager, her obituary said. However, it was her personality that truly shone. "Lauren’s prof…
Woman Locked In CT Motel For Weeks, Deprived Of Food, Forced Into Sex, Prostitution: Cops Woman Locked In CT Motel For Weeks, Deprived Of Food, Forced Into Sex, Prostitution: Cops
Woman Locked In CT Motel For Weeks, Deprived Of Food, Forced Into Sex, Prostitution: Cops A Connecticut man is facing serious charges after allegedly trafficking and assaulting a woman over several weeks in a Milford motel, police said. Authorities reported that the victim endured repeated abuse before managing to call for help. Ronald Boykin, 65, of Bridgeport, was arrested on Monday, Jan. 20, and charged with sexual assault in the first degree and trafficking in persons, according to Milford police. Officers responded to a motel in Milford after the victim, who was being held in a room, found a way to use a phone to contact authorities, police said. The woman told police that…
Wrong-Way Driver Dies From Injuries In Bridgeport Crash Days After His Birthday Wrong-Way Driver Dies From Injuries In Bridgeport Crash Days After His Birthday
Wrong-Way Driver Dies From Injuries In Bridgeport Crash Days After His Birthday A Connecticut man died from his injuries days after allegedly causing a three-car crash while driving the wrong way on a Fairfield County highway, authorities said. Robert Mancini, 70, of Fairfield, was involved in the crash on Sunday, Jan. 19, after driving north on southbound lanes of Route 8 near Exit 4 in Bridgeport, according to Connecticut State Police. He had turned 70 just three days earlier. Mancini collided head-on with one vehicle and a trailing car could not stop in time to avoid the wreckage.  Trumbull paramedics transported Mancini to St. Vincent Medical Center, where he…
Stolen Car Crashes Into Police Cruiser, Uncovers Cache of Stolen Checks in CT Stolen Car Crashes Into Police Cruiser, Uncovers Cache of Stolen Checks in CT
Stolen Car Crashes Into Police Cruiser, Uncovers Cache of Stolen Checks in CT An armed Connecticut carjacking spiraled into a multi-town investigation after the alleged thieves crashed into a police cruiser a week after the heist with stolen checks from multiple area residents inside, authorities said.  Dominique Reid, of Bridgeport, and Elijah Holloman, of Weston, were both arrested and charged last week in the heist, Westport police said.  On Oct. 3, police spotted the stolen vehicle and started a chase that ended when it slammed into a Wilton police car, disabling the boosted car that had been taken a week earlier. But it was what was inside that sparked…
Ex-Bridgeport Firefighter Found Dead Day Of Sexual Assault Sentencing Ex-Bridgeport Firefighter Found Dead Day Of Sexual Assault Sentencing
Ex-Bridgeport Firefighter Found Dead Day Of Sexual Assault Sentencing A former high-ranking fire official was found dead Friday, Jan. 17, after he failed to show up for his sentencing on a sexual assault conviction, authorities announced.  The body of Harold Clarke Sr., a 34-year veteran of the Bridgeport Fire Department, was found using GPS after a court official contacted town police, authorities said.  Previous Report: High Ranking Bridgeport Fire Official Charged With Sexual Assault Clarke had been convicted last year of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and stood to face up to 20 years in prison during Friday's hearing, NBC Con…
Bridgeport Man Nabbed After Stolen Maserati Leads Officers On High-Speed Chase: Police Bridgeport Man Nabbed After Stolen Maserati Leads Officers On High-Speed Chase: Police
Bridgeport Man Nabbed After Stolen Maserati Leads Officers On High-Speed Chase: Police A high-speed chase involving a stolen luxury car in Northern Westchester ended with one arrest of a Fairfield County man and an ongoing search for two suspects, police announced.  The incident began around 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, when troopers tried to stop a 2018 Maserati reported stolen from Connecticut that was speeding on Interstate 684 North in Bedford, New York State Police said on Tuesday, Jan. 14.  The Maserati refused to stop and exited the highway at Exit 6A, heading onto Route 22 in North Salem. Due to the reckless operation of the car, troopers discontinu…
Bridgeport Dad Ruled Not Competent For Trial After Infant Left To Drown In Motel Tub: Report Bridgeport Dad Ruled Not Competent For Trial After Infant Left To Drown In Motel Tub: Report
Bridgeport Dad Ruled Not Competent For Trial After Infant Left To Drown In Motel Tub: Report A Connecticut father who allegedly left his infant daughter to die in a motel bathtub last summer has been deemed incompetent to stand trial, according to reports. Dale Kirkland, 31, of Bridgeport, is charged with murder and other offenses for allegedly leaving his baby in a tub at the Mayflower Motel in Milford on Aug. 21, 2024, police said. Original Report: Father Accused of Drowning Baby in Milford Motel Arrested NBC Connecticut reported on Wednesday, Jan. 8, that a court had ruled Kirkland incompetent to stand trial. However, the ruling does not end the case against him. A judge ord…
Wanted CT Man Nearly Crashes Into State Trooper On Bridgeport Highway; Loaded Gun Found: Police Wanted CT Man Nearly Crashes Into State Trooper On Bridgeport Highway; Loaded Gun Found: Police
Wanted CT Man Nearly Crashes Into State Trooper On Bridgeport Highway; Loaded Gun Found: Police A 28-year-old wanted Connecticut man was arrested after nearly colliding with a state trooper over the weekend, leading to a traffic stop that revealed a loaded pistol in his rental car, authorities said. Bryan Garcia, of New Haven, faces charges of reckless driving and possessing a weapon in a motor vehicle following his arrest on Sunday, Jan. 5, according to Connecticut State Police. The incident began just before 11 p.m. in Bridgeport when a state police sergeant noticed a car speeding up behind him on Route 8 at more than twice the posted speed limit of 40 mph. The vehicle was moving so…
Suspect ID'd In Bridgeport's First Murder Of 2025 Suspect ID'd In Bridgeport's First Murder Of 2025
Suspect ID'd In Bridgeport's First Murder Of 2025 Police in Bridgeport are searching for a 47-year-old man wanted in connection with the city's first homicide of the year. Nelson Garcia, 47, is wanted in connection with the Jan. 4, murder of Steven Vega, Bridgeport police said. Garcia, described as 5’2”, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, was last known to reside at 242 Lake Street in Bridgeport. Police say he is known to frequent the North End and West Side areas of the city. The Bridgeport Police Department considers Garcia armed and dangerous and is urging the public not to approach him. Anyone with information on his whereab…
Trumbull Teen Robbed at Gunpoint, Dirt Bike Stolen By Convicted Felon: Police Trumbull Teen Robbed at Gunpoint, Dirt Bike Stolen By Convicted Felon: Police
Trumbull Teen Robbed at Gunpoint, Dirt Bike Stolen By Convicted Felon: Police A 14-year-old Trumbull teen was robbed at gunpoint on New Year's Eve while riding his dirt bike on the Rails to Trails path, authorities said.  Giovanni DeJesus, 19, of Bridgeport, was arrested shortly after the incident, recovering the stolen bike and an illegal firearm, Bridgeport police said.  The robbery occurred around 5 p.m. near the pump station between White Plains Road and Quarry Road. Police say DeJesus, part of a group on dirt bikes, approached the 14-year-old victim, pointed a handgun at him, and ordered him off the bike before speeding off into Bridgeport. Trumbull p…
Woman Killed In Bridgeport House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee Woman Killed In Bridgeport House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee
Woman Killed In Bridgeport House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee Family and friends of a 26-year-old woman killed just days before Christmas in a Connecticut apartment fire are remembering her as a "vibrant and loving presence." Fabienne "Fabbie" Laramee died just before 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, when a Bridgeport home in the 300 block of Connecticut Avenue caught fire, authorities said. Original report: 1 Dead, Several Others Injured in Bridgeport Fire Three others were taken to a hospital for treatment, and eight people, including four children, were left homeless after the blaze, authorities said. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced. The ca…
One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In Bridgeport Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In Bridgeport Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report
One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In Bridgeport Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report An afternoon fire sent three people to the hospital, left one person dead in Connecticut, and displaced four others, a report said.  The blaze began just before 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, on Connecticut Avenue in Bridgeport, according to NBC Connecticut.  The cause of the fire was not released.  Paramedics rushed three people to an area hospital with unknown injuries and a fourth was taken to a morgue, per the report. The deceased's name was not released as of Thursday morning. The American Red Cross is assisting eight people—four adults and four children—who were displaced…
Here's How Much Snow Fell Last Weekend In Fairfield County: Town-By-Town Breakdown Here's How Much Snow Fell Last Weekend In Fairfield County: Town-By-Town Breakdown
Here's How Much Snow Fell Last Weekend In Fairfield County: Town-By-Town Breakdown Connecticut woke up to a fresh dusting of snow on Dec. 21, 2024, with totals ranging from barely half an inch to over 2 inches in some towns.  Wondering how your town stacked up? The National Weather Service full breakdown for Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties. Fairfield County led the way, with Stamford topping the list: Stamford 1.0 S: 2.5 inches  New Canaan: 2.2 inches Sandy Hook: 1.8 inches New Fairfield: 1.8 inches Ridgefield 2.4 NNE: 1.7 inches Norwalk: 1.5 inches Fairfield: 1.5 inches Darien: 1.3 inches Monroe: 1.0 inch Bridgeport Airport: 0.8 …