(Bridgeport, CT – Sept. 16, 2013) – Police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with a Sept. 10 shooting that left one man dead and four others wounded.
Roderick “Riki” Rodgers, whose last known address was 77 Manila Place, was arrested at approximately noon today on a warrant charging him with murder and four counts of attempted murder.
He was being questioned by police Monday afternoon. He is expected to be arraigned tomorrow in Superior Court.
Rodgers was charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Christopher Pettway, 26, of Bridgeport, last Tuesday afternoon. Four other males, who range in age from 15 to 19, were wounded but are expected to recover.
Police say the motive remains under investigation but appears to stem from a previous dispute involving Rodgers. Rodgers is known to frequent Stratford Avenue and is known to police.
Witnesses at the shooting scene identified Rodgers as the suspect.
“Detectives did an outstanding job making an arrest in this case so quickly. This is another example of the community working with police to help solve crimes and detectives working tirelessly,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “Police cannot do this alone and I believe this arrest speaks to the relationships that have been built.”
Mayor Finch expressed condolences to the Pettway family.
According to Capt. James Viadero, who heads the Detective Bureau, a warrant was secured for Rodgers on Friday and detectives actively have been seeking him.
Bridgeport Detectives Robert Martin and Eric King, of the department’s fugitive unit, had checked several locations and returned to Manila Place on Monday. They spoke with the suspect’s mother, heard activity in the house and found Rodgers inside.
He was held on a $750,000 bond.
Police continue to look for the murder weapon. Last Tuesday’s shooting was one of three that happened in the city over two days. Overnight Wednesday, a man was shot on Reservoir Avenue in nearly the same location. Then on Wednesday afternoon, a man was shot on Wood Avenue. Both men are expected to recover.
Viadero said detectives continue to investigate whether any of the three incidents are connected.
“I want to commend the detective bureau for making a quick arrest,” said Assistant Chief James Nardozzi. “There is always a danger of retaliatory violence and this case was no different. The patrol division and investigators did an outstanding job in the aftermath to prevent that from happening.”
Those who continue to commit violence with firearms will be pursued and jailed, he said.
“Gun violence will not be tolerated here in Bridgeport. It’s time to put the guns away. We have an obligation to the community. We have an obligation to our victims. It’s an obligation we take seriously.”
Detectives Ada Curet, Paul Ortiz and Heitor Teixeira led the investigation.