Join us for a vigil honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence on Monday, October 28,
2024 at 6:00PM. This event will be held at the Norwalk Police Department 1 Monroe St.
Norwalk, CT 06854. The public is encouraged to attend for an evening of reflection,
remembrance, and to show support for survivors.
Month: October 2024
Water Rescue
Firefighters called to rescue 5 adults and two children off the jetty at Seaside Park due to the high tide coming in.
2024-10-26 @8:02pm–#Bridgeport CT
Firearm Recovered During Traffic Stop in Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT – On October 22, 2024, during a midnight traffic stop for a violation, Bridgeport officers discovered an illegal firearm, leading to the arrest of the driver, identified as Eric Guillermo Goicochea, 26, from Manchester, CT. The stop revealed that Goicochea lacked a valid pistol permit, the vehicle was unregistered, and its license plates belonged to another car. Officers recovered a loaded Glock with an altered serial number and two loaded magazines from the vehicle.
Goicochea faces charges for illegal firearm possession, firearm alteration, failure to store a firearm properly, carrying without a permit, operating under suspension, falsifying a marker, driving without insurance, and failure to obey a stop sign. Bail was set at $75,000. The Bridgeport Police Department remains committed to enhancing public safety through ongoing proactive enforcement efforts.
Structure Fire
Firefighters were called to a porch fire on Sixth Street. Witnesses told me it started on the 3rd floor of the back porch, quickly spreading. Firefighters were able to get the upper hand despite stiff winds fan the flames. The fire marshal is on scene to investigate the cause of the fire.
2024-10-26@4:26pm–#bridgeportct #2024-10-26@4:26pm–#bridgeportct ##ctfirectfire
Two Shot In Ansonia
On October 26, 2024 at about 2:30 A.M. the Ansonia Police Department responded to 130 Father Salemi Drive, the Saint Sebastian Club, for a report of a shooting. Officers first on scene found a 27-year-old male Ansonia resident that had been shot multiple times in the torso. The male was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition. During the investigation a second male gunshot victim was found, he was shot once in the buttocks. This male, a 26-year-old Ansonia resident, was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury. Officers initially responded to the location at about 2:00 A.M. for a disturbance, where they found a party at the location that ended when unknown parties began to fight. The people involved in the initial disturbance left the scene before the officers’ arrival. Shortly after officers left the area the shooting occurred injuring the two Ansonia residents. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, detectives are gathering information and identifying potential witnesses.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.
Vernon Woman Arrested for Reckless Driving; Interfering on I-95 in Milford
On October 24, 2024, at approximately 10:05 a.m., a Trooper from Troop G-Bridgeport patrolling I-95 southbound in Milford near exit 40 observed a white Volkswagen Jetta with heavily tinted windows passing them at speeds exceeding 87 mph and making multiple unsafe lane changes. The Volkswagen abruptly exited at exit 35. A DMV check revealed the vehicle’s registration had been expired since June 2023. The Trooper followed the vehicle to a business parking lot on Bridgeport Avenue in Milford, activated emergency lights, and stopped the driver, identified by a CT Learner’s Permit as Maria Diaz, age 22, of Vernon.
During the stop, Diaz questioned why she was being followed, denied speeding, and became argumentative. A second Trooper arrived, and Diaz was asked to exit her vehicle. After initially complying, she attempted to re-enter the vehicle through the passenger side. When officers attempted to prevent her from re-entering, Diaz resisted, and after refusing repeated commands, the Troopers took control of her arms and placed her under arrest as she continued to physically resist and kick at one Trooper’s legs.
Diaz was subsequently transported to Troop G and charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, reckless driving, operating without a license, failing to comply with tinted window requirements, and interfering with police. She was later released on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on November 14, 2024.
Stratford Police Seek Public’s Help Locating Wanted Fugitive Zha Harris
The Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice, and Intelligence Unit is seeking public assistance in locating 50-year-old Zha Harris, who fled on foot during a recent traffic stop on Honeyspot Road. NVI detectives have obtained an arrest warrant charging Harris with multiple offenses, including Violation of Conditions of Release, Interfering with a Police Officer, Operating Under Suspension, and Engaging Police in Pursuit. Harris, who has three additional warrants for Failure to Appear in court, is last known to be driving an unregistered black BMW 530i and may also go by the names “Marie Bey” or “Zha Bey.” Harris faces a total bond of $90,000. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact NVI Detective Jon Policano at 475-319-0316 via text or call.
Stratford Police Arrest Two Following Narcotics Transaction Near Honeyspot Motel
On October 23, 2024, the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice & Intelligence Unit was conducting proactive surveillance on Honeyspot Road in the area of the Honeyspot Motel. NVI detectives observed a narcotics transaction occur between a female pedestrian and a male operating a green Honda.
After the narcotics transaction had occurred, NVI detectives detained the female pedestrian and conducted a motor vehicle stop of the green Honda several blocks away from the point of the narcotics transaction. The subsequent investigation resulted in the arrests of both the female pedestrian and the male operator of the green Honda.
Brandi Lee Chiero was transported to headquarters and charged with Illegal Possession of Crack Cocaine 2nd Offense, Tampering with Evidence, and Violation of Conditions of Release. A November 4, 2024 court date was issued. Brandi Lee Chiero is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.
Gregory Shawn Thompson was transported to headquarters and charged with Illegal Sales of Crack Cocaine, Criminal Possession of Ammunition, Illegal Possession of a High Capacity Magazine, Violation of a Protective Order, Misuse of a Registration Plate, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, and Operating a Motor Vehicle with No Insurance. An October 24, 2024 court date was issued. Gregory Shawn Thompson is being held in lieu of a $75,000 bond.
Bridgeport News: Pedestrian Struck
Report of a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Fairview Ave and Wayne Street in Bridgeport. First responders are on their way at this time.
Klein Memorial Upgrades
BRIDGEPORT—The Kline Memorial Auditorium, a historic theater serving the community since its opening in 1940, has begun a significant construction project—the first of its kind in the venue’s 84-year history. Executive Director Lawrence Caso shared insights into the long-awaited renovations, set to enhance both accessibility and functionality for patrons and staff alike.
With approximately 70,000 visitors each year, the Kline Memorial is widely celebrated, but it has long faced limitations in accessibility. The new construction will address this by installing the venue’s first elevator, allowing patrons with mobility challenges to reach the mezzanine and enjoy the art gallery—a space that showcases rotating exhibits by local artists.
The project also includes the addition of a ground-floor wheelchair-accessible restroom, a conference room, and three new offices. The elevator shaft, located along one side of the building, will provide visitors with an enhanced view and easier access to the theater’s upper level, opening up experiences many have previously missed.
“This elevator has been our most requested addition,” Caso explained. “Many patrons miss the chance to view the art gallery upstairs because they can’t make it up the stairs. Now, they’ll finally be able to take the elevator up and enjoy all we have to offer.”
In 2016, the theater received a state grant that funded technical upgrades, including new lighting, an upgraded audio system, and the theater’s first video projection system. Following the completion of these upgrades in 2017, this final construction phase is set to complete the grant’s goals, transforming the Kline Memorial Auditorium into a more accessible and welcoming community space for all.
