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Bridgeport, CT

State Slams ‘Flawed’ Investigation Behind Fatal Police Shooting In CT; Won't Prosecute Cops State Slams ‘Flawed’ Investigation Behind Fatal Police Shooting In CT; Won't Prosecute Cops
State Slams ‘Flawed’ Investigation Behind Fatal Police Shooting In CT; Won't Prosecute Cops 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 Rollover Crash; CT Police Close Route 8 For Hours 2 Seriously Injured In Rollover Crash; CT Police Close Route 8 For Hours
2 Seriously Injured In 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…
Intoxicated CT Driver Punches, Spits On Cop During Route 8 Stop: Police Intoxicated CT Driver Punches, Spits On Cop During Route 8 Stop: Police
Intoxicated CT Driver Punches, Spits On Cop During Route 8 Stop: 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…
CT Woman Killed In NJ Crash Was Animal Lover Who Worked At Model Horse Corporation CT Woman Killed In NJ Crash Was Animal Lover Who Worked At Model Horse Corporation
CT Woman Killed In NJ Crash Was Animal Lover Who Worked At Model Horse Corporation 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 CT Crash Days After His Birthday Wrong-Way Driver Dies From Injuries In CT Crash Days After His Birthday
Wrong-Way Driver Dies From Injuries In CT 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…
CT Dad Ruled Not Competent To Stand Trial After Infant Found Dead in Motel Tub: Report CT Dad Ruled Not Competent To Stand Trial After Infant Found Dead in Motel Tub: Report
CT Dad Ruled Not Competent To Stand Trial After Infant Found Dead 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 Highway: Police Wanted CT Man Nearly Crashes Into State Trooper On Highway: Police
Wanted CT Man Nearly Crashes Into State Trooper On Highway: 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…
CT Teen Robbed Of Dirt Bike At Gunpoint Along Rails To Trails Path: Cops CT Teen Robbed Of Dirt Bike At Gunpoint Along Rails To Trails Path: Cops
CT Teen Robbed Of Dirt Bike At Gunpoint Along Rails To Trails Path: Cops 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 CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee Woman Killed In CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee
Woman Killed In CT 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 CT Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In CT Fire — 8 Others Displaced: Report
One Dead, 3 More Hospitalized In CT 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…
Girlfriend Helped Bridgeport Uni Shooter By Hiding Gun In Container Of Spaghetti: Report Girlfriend Helped Bridgeport Uni Shooter By Hiding Gun In Container Of Spaghetti: Report
Girlfriend Helped Bridgeport Uni Shooter By Hiding Gun In Container Of Spaghetti: Report Police arrested a Connecticut man in New York and charged him with the October shooting at a Bridgeport University dining hall, authorities said.  Dylan Cruz-Tillery, 18, turned himself over to police on Friday, Dec. 20, and was charged with assault in the first degree and carrying a pistol without a permit, Bridgeport police said. He was being held on a $250,000 bond.  The shooting happened on Oct. 29 at the school's Marina Dining Hall. Cruz-Tillery had gotten into an argument online that spilled into the real world when Cruz-Tillery allegedly shot them in the arm,…
'This Was An Execution': Killer Learns His Fate In Murder Of CT Barber 'This Was An Execution': Killer Learns His Fate In Murder Of CT Barber
'This Was An Execution': Killer Learns His Fate In Murder Of CT Barber A Connecticut man who gunned down a barber and wounded his assistant in 2020 will never spend a day outside of a prison, a judge ruled this week. Tavares Jefferson, 47, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to 90 years in prison two months after a jury convicted him of multiple charges, including murder, first-degree assault, and weapons violations, the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice said Thursday, Dec. 12. The violent incident, which shocked the community, took place on Oct. 2, 2020, when Jefferson walked into a Bridgeport barbershop and shot 40-year-old Jamain Allen six times, killing th…
CT Man Guilty Of Raping Woman Going For Walk Gets 12 Years In Prison CT Man Guilty Of Raping Woman Going For Walk Gets 12 Years In Prison
CT Man Guilty Of Raping Woman Going For Walk Gets 12 Years In Prison A Connecticut man will serve 12 years in prison for a violent attack on a woman walking along a sidewalk in Fairfield County last year, authorities announced. Demetrius Hunter, 41, was sentenced to 17 years in prison, suspended after serving 12, for sexually assaulting a 34-year-old woman in Bridgeport on Aug. 9, 2023, the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice said Thursday, Dec. 5. Hunter will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, according to Judge Robin Pavia's ruling. During a two-day trial, the victim testified that she was walking along Iranistan…
Ex-CT Councilman Gets 3 Weekends In Prison, Fine In Election Fraud Case: Feds Ex-CT Councilman Gets 3 Weekends In Prison, Fine In Election Fraud Case: Feds
Ex-CT Councilman Gets 3 Weekends In Prison, Fine In Election Fraud Case: Feds A former Bridgeport City Council member has been sentenced to three weekends in prison for a civil rights offense stemming from election fraud during his run for office, federal authorities said.  Michael DeFilippo, 38, received one year of probation, three weekends of incarceration, and a $15,000 fine, the US Attorney Connecticut said.  The charges relate to DeFilippo's campaign for the 133rd District in 2017 and 2018. According to court records, DeFilippo manipulated elections by stealing and falsifying voter registration applications and absentee ballots, forging signatures, an…
Man Guilty Of Sexually Abusing 8-Year-Old Faces Up To 165 Years In Prison: DA Man Guilty Of Sexually Abusing 8-Year-Old Faces Up To 165 Years In Prison: DA
Man Guilty Of Sexually Abusing 8-Year-Old Faces Up To 165 Years In Prison: DA A 62-year-old Connecticut man was convicted this week of sexually assaulting a child for months more than a decade ago, authorities said.  Heyward Curry, of Bridgeport in Fairfield County, was found guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 6, of three counts each of sexual assault in the first degree and risk of injury to a minor, the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice said.  Curry faces up to 165 years in prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 13, 2025.  Authorities said Curry sexually abused an 8-year-old boy for months in the summer of 2014. The child did not disclose the abuse …
Teen Steals Car Used By City Workers, Uses It In Street Takeover: Police Teen Steals Car Used By City Workers, Uses It In Street Takeover: Police
Teen Steals Car Used By City Workers, Uses It In Street Takeover: Police A 17-year-old Connecticut boy stole a Crown Victoria car in Fairfield County and used it as part of a street takeover event, authorities said.  The teen, who was not ID'd because of his age, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief in the first degree, Norwalk police said.  The Norwalk Engineering Department used the 2010 Crown Victoria — the same model of cars police use —and it was last seen parked at city hall on Thursday, Oct. 10, authorities said. But on Saturday, Oct. 19, officers went to break up a street takeover and found the car in the middle of the…
'He Had A Bright Future': Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'He Had A Bright Future': Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash
'He Had A Bright Future': Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash The family of a 29-year-old Connecticut man killed in a Fairfield County crash last week said he could "brighten any room with his smile." Rohith Gurumurthy died around 1 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, when he crashed his motorcycle at 1080 Atlantic St. in Bridgeport. Zaveriya Shaikh, who was a passenger on the bike, was also killed in the crash, authorities said.  Both Bridgeport residents died at the scene.  Gurumurthy graduated this year from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield with a degree in health informatics and had big dreams for his life, a GoFundMe for his family said.&…
CT State College Housatonic's New CEO Holds Open House, Art Museum Tour CT State College Housatonic's New CEO Holds Open House, Art Museum Tour
CT State College Housatonic's New CEO Holds Open House, Art Museum Tour Connecticut State Community College Housatonic's new CEO is inviting the community to an open house and tour of the Fairfield County school's Museum of Art.  Dr. Patricia Benson, who was hired to lead the college in July, is asking the community to see what the school has to offer, including its art collection during an open house on Nov. 6 from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Bridgeport campus at 900 Lafayette Blvd. "This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet our faculty and staff and learn more about our vibrant community college," Benson said. "Whether you’re interest…
Man Busted In Tree Branch Attack That Sent 1 To Hospital: Police Man Busted In Tree Branch Attack That Sent 1 To Hospital: Police
Man Busted In Tree Branch Attack That Sent 1 To Hospital: Police A 56-year-old Connecticut man attacked someone with a tree branch, sending them to the hospital in Fairfield County, authorities said.  Oscar Espejo-Gonzalez, of Bridgeport, was charged with second-degree breach of peace, illegal alteration of a firearm, illegally carrying a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, first-degree threatening, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment in the first-degree, authorities said.  The alleged victim told police that Espejo-Gonzalez had attacked him with a tree branch on Maplewood Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 19, leaving a …
'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death 'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death
'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death A Connecticut community is preparing to bury one of its heroes after the longtime Fairfield County firefighter died earlier this week.  John "JB" Pyrek-Bennett, of Monroe, was just 55 when he died on Monday, Oct. 14, surrounded by his family at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, his obituary said. His wife of 29 years and three children survive him. Bennett spent his life giving back to his community, his family said. He served as assistant chief of the Glenbrook Fire Department in Stamford and was a lifetime member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department.…
He Molested His Cousins For Years, Now He's Going To Prison For Decades: DA He Molested His Cousins For Years, Now He's Going To Prison For Decades: DA
He Molested His Cousins For Years, Now He's Going To Prison For Decades: DA A 58-year-old Connecticut man who admitted to molesting his young cousins was sentenced to 50 years in prison, authorities said. Luis Rivera, of Bridgeport, who pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault in the first degree in July, was sentenced to decades behind bars last week, the State's Attorney said. As part of his plea deal, Rivera's sentence will be suspended after 25 years.  However, he must serve 35 years on probation following his release, the prosecutor said.  Rivera was arrested in 2022 after three people came forward to say he had molested them from 1994 throu…
'Words Can't Express This Pain': Woman Killed In Trumbull Crash Remembered As Beloved Friend 'Words Can't Express This Pain': Woman Killed In Trumbull Crash Remembered As Beloved Friend
'Words Can't Express This Pain': Woman Killed In Trumbull Crash Remembered As Beloved Friend Friends and family of a 40-year-old Connecticut woman who was killed earlier this week when the car she was riding in crashed into a stone wall say she was kind, caring, and effortlessly cool.  Marie Nieves, of Bridgeport, died on Friday, Oct. 11, in a single-car crash on Route 8 in Trumbull, Connecticut State Police said.  Investigators say the Mercedes she was in suddenly veered onto the grassy shoulder near Exit 6 around 11 a.m. before crashing into the wall. The driver, a 60-year-old Bridgeport man, was seriously injured in the crash.  Paramedics rushed them both to …
New CT Cannabis Dispensary Holds Grand Opening: Here's Where New CT Cannabis Dispensary Holds Grand Opening: Here's Where
New CT Cannabis Dispensary Holds Grand Opening: Here's Where A cannabis dispensary brand with several stores across Connecticut celebrated the grand opening of its newest location.  Higher Collective held a grand opening for its new Fairfield County cannabis dispensary at 3369 Fairfield Ave. in Bridgeport on Friday morning, Oct. 11.  The store, owned by Connecticut native Keanaha Abrams, will provide cannabis flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, edibles, tinctures, and more to Fairfield County's largest city.  Abrams said she was "incredibly excited" to open her store in a "dynamic and forward-thinking community."  "I’m proud to …
Suspected Carjacker Found Hiding At Unlikely Place — Police Headquarters: Officers Suspected Carjacker Found Hiding At Unlikely Place — Police Headquarters: Officers
Suspected Carjacker Found Hiding At Unlikely Place — Police Headquarters: Officers A man who led Connecticut authorities on a high-speed chase in a stolen car was easily captured hours later when he showed up at a police station to bail out his alleged accomplice, officials said.  Elijah Holloman, age 21, and Dominique Adrian Reid, age 26, both of Bridgeport, face several felonies following a chase on Thursday, Oct. 3, Fairfield Police said.  Their troubles began around 9:30 a.m. when they crashed a stolen Mazda into a Wilton Police car, authorities said. They sped away from the scene on the Merritt Parkway, sparking a high-speed chase.  Bridgeport Police …
6-Year-Old Dies After Baseball Bat Attack: Police 6-Year-Old Dies After Baseball Bat Attack: Police
6-Year-Old Dies After Baseball Bat Attack: Police A 6-year-old boy who was beaten into critical condition along with his 4-year-old sibling and mother has died, authorities announced on Wednesday, Oct. 2.  The attack happened at a Fairfield County apartment in the 2400 block of Main St. in Bridgeport on Wednesday, Sept. 25, authorities said. Officers were called to the home around 10 a.m. to reports of a vicious assault.  The two children and their 33-year-old mother were critically injured in the beating, police said, but they were later released from the hospital. Bridgeport Police announced on social media that the oldest boy …
Man, 80, Killed After Crashing Into Guardrail On Route 7 Man, 80, Killed After Crashing Into Guardrail On Route 7
Man, 80, Killed After Crashing Into Guardrail On Route 7 An 80-year-old Connecticut man was killed on Wednesday, Oct. 2, after his car slammed into a guardrail in Fairfield County, authorities said.  Fred Hunter, of Wilton, crashed just after noon when his Nissan Altima drifted across three lanes of traffic on the Route 7 connector near exit 2 just before the crash, Connecticut State Police said.  He collided with a guardrail, tearing about 100 feet of the metal off its posts and spreading it along the shoulder.  Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.  Police are not sure what caused Hunter to collide with the bar…
(UPDATE) Kids, Mom Beaten Nearly To Death In Domestic Violence Attack: Police (UPDATE) Kids, Mom Beaten Nearly To Death In Domestic Violence Attack: Police
(Update) Kids, Mom Beaten Nearly To Death In Domestic Violence Attack: Police Update: The 6-year-old boy has died from his wounds. The mother and 4-year-old have been released from the hospital. Click here to read the updated report.  Original: Two Connecticut children and their mother are in critical condition at a Fairfield County hospital after they were beaten nearly to death in a domestic violence attack on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  Abdulrahim Sulaiman, 38, is charged in the vicious attack, Bridgeport Police said.  Authorities were called to a home in the 2400 block of Main St. in Bridgeport around 10 a.m. to reports of an attack. Inside, police foun…