Mayor Ganim UPDATE:
Bridgeport, CT – This morning Mayor Ganim called a meeting with members of his administration, City Council, and Police leadership via Zoom to be briefed on the multiple violent crimes that took place in Bridgeport over the weekend.
The Mayor’s response as well as Council, and Police Chiefs, is that the violence won’t be tolerated and that resources will continue to be committed to make sure that the individuals responsible for these shooting will be arrested and convicted.
The meeting included acknowledgement of too many illegal guns on city streets, the impact of COVID diluting accessibility of productive resources for returning citizens and at-risk individuals, as well as general feelings of sadness, outrage, and frustration.
The frustration stems from knowledge that victims have information about the shootings and/or the homicides of their family members but refuse to cooperate with police.
Any individual with information needs to come forward or call anonymously in order to stop the violence, bring the perpetrators to justice and get the guns off the streets. Community members that have info are encouraged to call 203-576-TIPS
Police UPDATE: On August 31, 2020 at 0534hrs a ShotSpotter activation was received on Washington Terrace. As Officers were responding the ECC received a call for a report of two GSW victims at 42 Washington Terrace. Both victims were treated on the scene and transported to St. Vincent’s Medical Center. A 22 yr old pregnant female identified as Karla Bermudez of Bridgeport was shot multiple times and succumbed to her injuries after extensive efforts to save her life. A 23yr old male sustained non-life threatening injuries and is uncooperative at this time.
This investigation is still active, as is processing the crime scene. At this time, detectives believe that both victims were sleeping in bed when multiple gunshots were fired into the house, striking both of them. Two other adults were in the home at the time of the shooting but were not injured. Washington Terrace remains closed at this time.
Bridgeport Police are asking anyone with information about this crime to call Detective Heanue at 203-581-5242, or TIPS Line at 203-576-TIPS.
2020-08-31@5:35am–#Bridgeport CT–Police responded to Washington Terrace for a ShotsSpotter activation. Upon arrival in the 40th block of Washington Terrace, there were two gunshot victims struck. One confirmed homicide at this time. Police are still on-scene and this is an active investigation.
Here is a video of then mayoral candidate calling on the governor to help Bridgeport with the violence when Bill Finch was in office:
“People elect people to lead competently especially in the area of public safety… that starts with a good well funded, well-manned police department” “It’s a result of failed leadership (increased crime). The citizens deserve to be able to live safely in their homes and neighborhoods”.
Candidate for Mayor Joe Ganim July 29, 2015