On October 17, 2024, 19-year-old Michael Lozada of Bridgeport, CT, was arrested by Westport Police in connection with a stolen vehicle and multiple firearm-related charges. The investigation began on May 30, 2024, when a white 2024 Audi was reported stolen from a Westport driveway. The vehicle, left unlocked with the keys inside, was tracked and recovered by the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force later that day.
Through surveillance footage, Lozada was identified as the suspect responsible for the theft. A search warrant was executed at his residence on October 17, during which officers discovered a ghost gun and a large capacity magazine. Lozada was charged with Burglary 3rd, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and several firearm violations. He was held on a total bond of $175,000 and arraigned in Stamford Superior Court on October 18, 2024.
Bridgeport Classical Studies School hosted BusPatrol — the nation’s leader in school bus safety technology — and WE Transport to deliver an educational road safety workshop for elementary grade students at Bridgeport Public Schools.
During the interactive lesson, students learned practical tips to stay safe on the ride to and from school, including the importance of looking both ways, understanding the danger zone around the bus, and recognizing common safety hazards.
“Education is the cornerstone to our mission of creating safer roads for all students,” said Justin Meyers, President and Chief Innovation Officer of BusPatrol. “As we educate motorists to follow the rules of the road, it’s equally important that we equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe on their journey to and from school. I thank Bridgeport Public Schools for partnering with BusPatrol on this community-wide collaboration to help keep our children safe.”
“Sharing reminders and tips with our students is critically important to everyone’s safety on and off the bus,” said Franco Indomenico, Vice President of WE Transport. “In recognition of National Bus Safety Week, WE Transport is proud to join BusPatrol and Bridgeport Public Schools to highlight how new technology and preparedness can make a positive difference.”
As part of the session, BusPatrol distributed activity books and presented a short animation, reminding the kids of the rules around school bus safety. BusPatrol developed the materials in consultation with school and transportation experts to educate children, motorists, and entire communities about the importance of school bus safety.
Each school year, an estimated 45.2 million reckless motorists illegally pass school buses stopped with their red lights flashing and stop-arms extended, putting children at significant risk. BusPatrol recently partnered with Bridgeport Public Schools and WE Transport to launch a new school bus stop-arm photo enforcement program aimed at reducing the number of drivers who unlawfully pass stopped school buses by installing stop-arm cameras on the city’s fleet of 248 city school buses. Over a six-month trial, BusPatrol logged nearly 10,000 instances of vehicles illegally passing school buses in Bridgeport.
Firefighters on the scene reported high carbon monoxide levels at Court B at Success Village. Turned out to be a faulty gas stove in one of the apartments which is now disconnected.
On October 18, 2024, Milford Police arrested 33-year-old Veratisha Morey of Bridgeport after she turned herself in on an active arrest warrant. Morey had previously reported to police that she was receiving repeated phone calls from a male in violation of a court order. However, a forensic examination conducted by the Milford Police Computer Crimes Unit led to her being charged with making a false statement. Morey was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear in court on November 8, 2024.
Milford Police arrested 19-year-old Patrick Lizotte of Shelton on October 18, 2024, following a reckless driving incident. At 10:45 p.m., officers attempted to stop a silver Honda with no visible plates on Bridgeport Avenue after it sped past them and then stopped in traffic. Lizotte fled from the police, driving erratically before entering Milford. Officers deployed a tire deflation device near Schoolhouse Road, successfully bringing the vehicle to a stop on Prospect Drive. Lizotte was taken into custody without further incident. He faces charges of reckless driving, engaging police in a pursuit, and failure to display plates. His bond was set at $5,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on November 15, 2024.
Bridgeport Hospital and the Bridgeport Fire Department are teaming up this October for Fire Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of fire safety and burn prevention in the community. As the state’s only burn center, Bridgeport Hospital sees firsthand the devastating impact burns can have on both patients and their families.
Hospital President Ann Diamond highlighted the partnership with the Bridgeport Fire Department to raise awareness about fire safety measures. Chief Lance Edwards of the Bridgeport Fire Department echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of the hospital’s burn center, which has been serving the community since an enhancement project in 2011, spearheaded by retired Assistant Chief Sal Emmanuel and his wife, a burn center nurse.
The fire department has also been proactive with its smoke alarm program, which began in 2005. To date, over 90,000 smoke alarms have been installed in single and two-family homes across Bridgeport, contributing to the prevention of injuries, property damage, and the saving of lives. The program is available to all city residents who meet the eligibility criteria.
In addition to this, the fire department is introducing a 27-foot fire prevention trailer, which will be used to educate the community—especially children—about fire safety. The trailer will simulate kitchen fires and other common fire hazards, providing hands-on learning opportunities to reinforce the importance of working smoke alarms.
Dr. Alisa Sabata Mall, director of the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, added that burn injuries can be life-changing, even in minor cases. As the holiday season approaches, she warned about the heightened risk of burn injuries from cooking, fire pits, and home oxygen use. She offered practical tips on how to prevent these injuries and urged anyone with significant burns to seek medical attention.
This collaboration between Bridgeport Hospital and the Bridgeport Fire Department serves as a vital effort in promoting fire safety and protecting the well-being of the community.
Police are looking for a white BMW with New York plates that robbed the Mobil gas station at Post and Pine Creek Road at gunpoint according to unconfirmed radio reports.
Shelton Firefighters are at the Woodland Park Trailer Park (off Bridgeport Avenue) for a kitchen fire which they quickly extinguished. Everyone safely made it out.
