On June 6, 2023, the Special Victims Unit initiated an investigation into a sexual assault complaint. After a thorough investigation led by Detective Patrick English, Fran Garcia-Pineda was identified as the suspect. It was discovered that Garcia-Pineda resided in Miami, Florida, leading to the issuance of an extraditable arrest warrant by Stamford Superior Court. Detective English collaborated with a Norwalk Police Officer assigned to the United States Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, resulting in Garcia-Pineda’s arrest on April 4, 2024. He was subsequently extradited to Norwalk on April 16, 2024, and charged with Sexual Assault in the Third Degree.
Month: April 2024
Bridgeport News: Early Morning Structure Fire
At 04:15AM today Fire Units responded to a working fire located at 2340 North Ave. The first unit fire on the first floor was quickly knocked down. The Fire Marshal’s office is conducting an investigation as to the cause at this time.
The Red Cross will be providing shelter for the 5 persons displaced, and there was 1 person who was evaluated by AMR.
Spotlight on Main Street: Downtown Bridgeport
Downtown Bridgeport, once characterized by vacant office buildings and lackluster public spaces, is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Through adaptive reuse and mixed-use projects, the historic amenities of the area are being rejuvenated, breathing new life into the city center.
Formerly dormant daytime office spaces are undergoing conversion into vibrant residential units, catalyzing a surge in dining and nightlife establishments. This revitalization effort not only repurposes existing infrastructure but also fosters a dynamic urban environment where residents and visitors alike can thrive.
Central to this revitalization is the infusion of public art, which adds vibrancy and fosters creativity in shared spaces. These artistic installations not only beautify the cityscape but also serve as focal points for community engagement and cultural expression.
A recent event showcased Bridgeport’s journey, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of revitalization projects. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the city’s cultural and economic resurgence through presentations, walking tours, and networking sessions. The event underscored the significance of collaboration between Downtown Special Services Districts (DSSDs) and economic development departments in driving sustainable urban renewal.
Today’s gathering celebrated the arts, nightlife, entertainment, and ongoing developments shaping Downtown Bridgeport into an inclusive, affordable, and multicultural neighborhood. It highlighted the progress made thus far and charted a path forward towards continued growth and prosperity.
BLUMENTHAL SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO PREVENT YOUTH SUICIDE AMID YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to prevent youth suicide, which is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24. The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would fund suicide prevention initiatives, ensure health care providers receive training to prevent intentional harm, and create a centralized hub to provide safety information to at-risk youth and their support networks.
“Across the country we are seeing a trend of increasing suicide rates that are beyond disturbing and gut-wrenching. We know we can do something. That’s why I’ve introduced the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act to support care and counseling wherever children can be reached – in the schools, in the doctor’s office, in emergency departments,” said Blumenthal on Mondayat a press conference at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford. “Fighting this crisis is critical. With federal funding and support, it must happen.”
Suicide rates among young Americans increased by 52 percent between 2000 and 2021 according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A June 2021 CDC report found a significant increase in emergency department visits for suicide attempts among adolescents aged 12-17 during the pandemic, including a spike of more than 50 percent among adolescent girls. In Connecticut, between January 2016 and September 2022, 48 Connecticut children ages 10 to 17 died by suicide. The age of children dying by suicide in Connecticut is getting younger and younger, according to the Office of the Child Advocate. A critical opportunity to identify young people at risk is in health care settings, but many health care professionals lack the training or resources to do so. This bill prepares health care professionals to identify and respond to warning signs by training them in evidence-based suicide prevention practices like lethal means safety, a practice limiting access to objects that can be used for self-directed violence, and providing funding to connect at-risk patients with crisis resources.
Specifically, the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would:
- Establish a grant program to provide funding for initiatives that offer youth suicide prevention and lethal means safety education, training, and resources to health care professionals.
- Establish a grant program to integrate lethal means safety and suicide prevention topics into curricula at health professional schools to ensure that future nurses, doctors, and mental and behavioral health care providers have received the education and training that will allow them to prevent lethal means injuries, deaths, and suicides among their patients.
- Create a centralized hub to provide important lethal means safety and suicide prevention information to at-risk youth and their family members, health professional schools, and health care providers.
Blumenthal has championed initiatives to expand access to mental health care for young people. This year’s government funding bill, which Blumenthal supported, included $104 million for the Youth Mentoring Grant Program, $98.9 million for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, $135 million for STOP School Violence Act programs, and $160 million to the Department of Education to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals across K-12 schools.
The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act is led by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and cosponsored by U.S. Senators Blumenthal, Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-8).
The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act is supported by more than 30 organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, American Hospital Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, Federation of American Hospitals, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, SMART Recovery, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, PA Education Association, Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies, Newtown Action Alliance Foundation, National Association of Social Workers, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, Sandy Hook Promise, Illinois Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Doc Wayne, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, March for Our Lives, Active Minds, Giffords, Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Public Health Association – Public Health Nursing Section, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, Association of Public Health Nurses, National Association of School Nurses, Rural Nurse Organization, and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
Bridgeport News: Arrests made on gun charges
On April 15, 2024, Bridgeport Police Officers from the Patrol Division received information about a wanted individual near the vicinity of Park Avenue and Wood Avenue. Due to recent incidents of gun violence in the area, Officers Salce and Rrapi promptly responded to investigate. They learned that the suspect, Karon McCollum, aged 26 and from Bridgeport, had moved westward on Wood Avenue towards a nearby liquor store, accompanied by another male.
Upon reaching the liquor store, the officers engaged in a thorough investigation and discovered a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol loaded with 15 live rounds, including one in the chamber, in the possession of Nasir Baskin, aged 29 and from Norwalk, who did not possess a Connecticut pistol permit. Additionally, McCollum was found in possession of a plastic bag containing 19 purple-top vials of a substance resembling cocaine, which tested positive for the presence of the drug. McCollum faces charges including three warrants for violation of probation and possession of narcotics with intent to sell, while Baskin is charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a permit, and illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine.
Bridgeport News: Truck Strikes Overpass
Report of an 18 wheeler that hit the train overpass this morning around 6 AM on I-95 Southbound right after exit 27
Trumbull News: Rollover Crash on the Merritt
Report of a truck rollover crash on the Merritt Parkway Southbound by Exit 48 earlier today around 10 AM.
UPDATE: Homicide Investigation in the 1200 Block of Park Avenue
Tragically, 17-year-old Romain Sterling of Bridgeport, CT, passed away on April 17, 2024, from injuries sustained in a shooting on April 10, 2024, along Park Avenue. The Bridgeport Police Department’s Detective Bureau is in communication with Romain Sterling’s family during this difficult time. This loss deeply impacts the Bridgeport community, affecting officers dedicated to ensuring citizen safety. Our thoughts and prayers are with Romain’s family and friends.
While significant progress has been made in the investigation, the Bridgeport Police Department seeks the community’s assistance in solving this crime. Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide Detective Thomas Harper at 203-581-5239 or utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips line at 203-576-TIPS.
This remains an active investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
Westport House Fire
#Westport CT– At 9:18 this morning, Westport firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire in aresidence on Hunt Club Lane. The initial dispatch was for four Engines, one Truck and the
Shift Commander. Enroute to the call, responding units were advised that there were two
injured occupants that had already exited the house.
Car 3 arrived and found a two story single family home with heavy smoke coming from
three sides of the building on multiple floors with evidence of a possible explosion from
inside the house. Reports from the occupants indicated that the fire was in the basement
of the home. The first arriving Engine stretched a hose line through the house and into the
basement for fire extinguishment. Heavy smoke had extended throughout all floors of the
residence but the fire was contained to the basement. All visible fire was extinguished and
firefighters checked for fire extension. A second hose line was stretched and companies
performed searches on all floors to confirm all occupants were accounted for. Firefighters
discovered that fire had extended into the ceiling of the basement and was extinguished
quickly by firefighters in the basement. The building was ventilated and monitored for
carbon monoxide.
Westport PD and EMS responded and provided treatment and transport for the injured
occupants. Both occupants were transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.
Assistance from Wilton Fire, Fairfield Fire and Norwalk Fire allowed simultaneous calls to
be handled while Westport units were on scene at Hunt Club Lane. The last Westport Fire
Department unit cleared the scene at 1:30pm
The fire is currently under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office.
Bridgeport News: Motor Vehicle Accident
Firefighters were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident at the corner of Ferry Access Road and Broad Street that required extrication. Those that were injured were transported to the hospital.