Month: August 2023

CDOT Street Design Change

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has implemented new Complete Streets design criteria to be incorporated into all projects. The Complete Streets design criteria is an expansion of CTDOT’s Complete Street Policy, ensuring that every project includes a focus on pedestrian and bicyclist facilities and public transportation operations to create stronger intermodal transportation networks and improve safety. Complete Streets Policies are aimed at creating roadways that work for everyone. By ensuring the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit customers of all ages and abilities, safety is improved, and a stronger transportation network is created. “While this change may sound technical, it is a big deal for improving the safety of our transportation network. I am incredibly proud of our Bureaus of Engineering and Construction and Policy and Planning for tackling the challenge I posed to them and developing these new Complete Streets design criteria for all of our future projects,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “We are doing everything we can break down barriers to transportation and make Connecticut roadways more accessible for everyone.” “Utilizing Complete Streets design criteria is just one of the many ways we’re working to make Connecticut safer for all roadway users,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Chief Engineer and Bureau Chief of Engineering and Construction Scott Hill. “This change will solidify and ensure that pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist safety is incorporated into the billions of dollars worth of projects we have planned in our Capital Program.” 2022 was the deadliest year on Connecticut roadways in decades, with more than 360 fatalities, including more than 70 pedestrian deaths. The new CTDOT Complete Streets Design criteria focuses on three areas to improve safety and mobility: Pedestrian facilities – includes sidewalks, shared use paths, or side paths on both sides of the roadway. Bicycle facilities – includes paved outside shoulders, bike lanes, separated bike paths, or shared use paths on both sides of the roadway. Transit provisions – includes crosswalks, shelters, benches, and other ways to make existing or proposed transit stops more accessible. If any CTDOT project does not meet these three criteria, a formal design exemption and approval is required by the CTDOT Chief Engineer. The new design criteria can be viewed here. The new design criteria is part of a larger CTDOT strategy to improve safety and mobility, and reduce roadway crashes and injuries. For more information on CTDOT Complete Streets, visit ct.gov/dot

Bridgeport Structure Fire

Press Release – Bridgeport Structure Fire

At 2:05pm this afternoon the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to a fire in an occupied 3 family home at 114 Poplar St on the city’s west side. The 2nd and 3rd floor apartments sustained major smoke
and fire damage.


The incident was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. The Red Cross was notified that 7 adults and 1 child need assistance with housing. No reported injuries to civilians or residents.

Prime Suspect Apprehended In Amazon Shooting

#Stratford CT–Earlier this morning at approximately 10:25am Stratford Police Officers responded to a shooting in the 400 block of Long Beach Boulevard. One victim was shot several times and transported to an area hospital for medical evaluation, the extent of their injuries is not known at this time. A single suspect was identified and taken into custody without incident shortly thereafter. This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no further threat to public safety. Anthony Vann age 26 of Bridgeport was arrested shortly after the incident when he surrendered to investigators. Vann was found to be in possession of three (3) loaded firearms. He was charged with Attempted Murder and is being held on a one-million-dollar bond and is expected to be arraigned at Bridgeport Court on 08/25/2023. The shooting victim was listed as stable.

FAIRFIELD INAUGURIAL OKTOBERFESTWITH LIVE MUSIC AND GAMES ANNOUNCED

FAIRFIELD, CT — First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick is excited to announce the
Town’s first Oktoberfest on September 23
from 2:00 – 6:00 PM on Sanford Street. This
first of its kind outdoor event is a
partnership of the Parks & Recreation
Department, Experience Fairfield and
Fairfield Theatre Company.
Live music by Alpaca Gnomes will
provide entertainment along with axe
throwing and corn hole. A beer truck will
be on location, as well as local food trucks
with festive food offerings. Commemorative Fairfield Oktoberfest t-shirts and steins will
be available for purchase.
First Selectwoman Kupchick said, “In our effort to plan more community events for our
residents to enjoy, I want to thank our Parks & Recreation and Economic Development
Departments for working together to put together a festive and fun event this September.
I am looking forward to it and think we will have a great turnout.”

Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart added, “This will be a
unique opportunity to gain marketing exposure at a brand new event that will draw a
crowd to our downtown. It’s always great to partner with FTC, one of the premier live
music venues in the State.”

Fairfield Man Damages Milford Motel


#Milford CT– On August 20, 2023, law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Mayflower Motel located at 219 Woodmont Road in response to a reported incident of criminal mischief. Following a thorough investigation into the matter, it was ascertained that an individual identified as Raj Kumar, a 31-year-old male residing at 51 Marne Avenue in Fairfield, was responsible for causing damage to the property. Consequently, Kumar was taken into custody and subsequently charged with the offense of Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree.

In light of the charges brought against him, Kumar’s bond was set as a Promise to Appear (PTA), and he is scheduled to appear in court on September 19, 2023, to address the allegations. The investigation concluded that the damage to the Mayflower Motel property had been inflicted by Kumar, leading to his apprehension and subsequent legal proceedings.

Bridgeport News: 3 Shot – 1 Critical

On August 22, 2023, at approximately 10:50 pm Bridgeport Police responded to multiple ShotSpotter activations and reports of numerous victims shot within the 1200 block of Park Avenue.  ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system. Once gunshots are fired in an area covered by this service, police receive a notification within one minute directing them to the location of the gunfire. 

Upon arriving in the area, Officers quickly located (2) victims suffering from gunshot wounds.  One victim, identified as a 38-year-old Bridgeport woman, appeared to have been shot in the leg.  Police quickly rendered first aid to stop the bleeding.  She was transported to an area hospital via AMR ambulance where she is listed in stable condition.  Another victim, identified as a 50-year-old Bridgeport man, appeared to have been shot in the face.  He was also transported to an area hospital via AMR ambulance and is reported to be in stable condition. 

A third victim was transported from the scene to an area hospital via private vehicle.  That vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Charles Street & Main Street but continued to the hospital.  Police were able to secure this private vehicle at the hospital ER.  The third victim, identified as a 32-year-old Wethersfield, CT man, appeared to have been shot in the torso.  He is listed in critical condition.

The Detective Bureau has responded and taken charge of the criminal investigation.  A large crime scene was located along Park Avenue between Washington Terrace and Wood Avenue.  The crime scene extended into the Gulf Gas Station parking lot located at intersection of Park Avenue and Wood Avenue.  Multiple items of evidence were located, collected, and processed by the Police Department’s Forensic Identification Unit.  

There were multiple shooters involved in this incident with more than 30 rounds fired.  Detectives conducted interviews, canvassed the area, and documented their investigation.  The Bridgeport Police Department is asking for your help in solving this crime.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the case officer, Detective David Garcia, at 203-581-5233.  Citizens can also utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips line at 203 576-TIPS.

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