On December 4, 2024, patrol officers responded to a report of an overnight robbery involving a $3,000 theft. The victim, who was acquainted with the suspect, 19-year-old Boston Leger, reported being assaulted at his home during a scuffle in which Leger allegedly stole the cash.
Following an investigation by the Detective Bureau, Leger was located and arrested at his residence in Norwalk. He faces charges of Robbery 1st Degree and Assault 3rd Degree. Leger is being held on a $30,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 15, 2024.
FAIRFIELD, CT — First Selectman Bill Gerber invites the public to Fairfield’s 12th Annual Holiday “Shop & Stroll” on Wednesday, December 11. Co-sponsored by the Town of Fairfield and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the event features extended store hours along the Post Road, offering complimentary seasonal refreshments and a festive atmosphere with traveling carolers spreading holiday cheer.
The Town and Chamber are partnering with Connect Fairfield to kick off the evening with a Happy Hour at 5:00 p.m. at The Sinclair, 1229 Post Road. Special discounts on food and drinks will be available, along with free “Buy Local Fairfield” tote bags filled with goodies from local merchants, while supplies last.
In collaboration with Fairfield University’s Alumni Association, the event will also support the 26th annual Teddy Bears with Love Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unused teddy bears or stuffed animals to the Pre-Event Happy Hour, with all donations going to children at local hospitals.
The evening’s entertainment includes caroling by the Fairfield Prep choir and Warde A cappella groups, a performance by the Fairfield Prep Jazzuits, and appearances by cast members from the Connecticut Dance School’s The Nutcracker. Shoppers can also enjoy a fireside lounge at Sherman Green, complete with free hot cocoa and s’mores courtesy of BE Chocolat.
Retailers from the Brick Walk Promenade to Heritage Square are participating, with featured stores including Apricot Lane Boutique, Bailey Jaymes Boutique, The Fairfield University Store, and Vintage Garden, among many others.
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting its value in connecting businesses with the community: “The Chamber of Commerce is happy to be partnering with the Town on this festive event. It will give our businesses an opportunity to open their doors to the community, meet new customers from surrounding towns, and together, help celebrate the holiday season with a wonderful shopping experience.”
Sponsors for this year’s event include Connect Fairfield, Fairfield Moms, 203 Local, WSHU Public Radio, and CT Hearst Media Group. For more information on participating retailers, restaurants, activities, and special offers, visit the event website at www.experiencefairfieldct.org/shopnstroll.
It has come to our attention that an audio recording has been circulating. This recording is a complete misrepresentation and falsely claims to be an official message from the Connecticut State Police. We would like to make it clear that this recording did not originate from our department and should not be treated as an official communication. For reference, we have included an example of this recording with this post.
The Connecticut State Police does not have a ‘Civil Services Division,’ and there is no individual named ‘Lieutenant James Perry’ employed with our agency at this time. Additionally, the recording provides a phone number—(203) 208-9475—that is not affiliated with any State Police barracks or office. This number falsely claims to be an automated contact line for Troop G in Bridgeport. The legitimate, non-emergency contact number for Troop G is (203) 696-2500.
We strongly urge the public to disregard this misleading information, as we believe it to be part of a scam. We encourage the public to rely solely on official sources for accurate and verified updates from the Connecticut State Police. Should you receive a call of this nature, we highly encourage you to report the incident to your local Police Department or State Police Barracks.
Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport Police Department swiftly apprehended a city man for attempted murder just minutes after a woman was shot in the head on the East Side late Wednesday afternoon.
At approximately 3:45 p.m. on December 4, Bridgeport Police Task Force officers arrested 42-year-old Jerome Smith outside his residence on East Washington Avenue. The arrest followed a report from a 39-year-old female victim who was shot several blocks away near Arctic Street. Despite suffering a gunshot wound, the victim provided a detailed description of the shooter to responding patrol officers, leading to Smith’s immediate capture.
During the arrest, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and narcotics from Smith. The Patrol Division and Detective Bureau also collected evidence at the crime scene on Arctic Street.
The victim was transported to Bridgeport Hospital, where she is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. In a hospital interview with detectives, the victim disclosed a history of multiple altercations with Smith in the days leading up to the shooting.
Jerome Smith, a convicted felon with a criminal record dating back to 2014, has a history of firearm and narcotics-related offenses in Bridgeport.
On December 4, Smith was charged with Attempted Murder and Assault in the First Degree, along with multiple firearms and narcotics offenses. His bond was set at $500,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, December 5.
The Bridgeport Police Department commends the swift response and collaboration of the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and Task Force officers, ensuring the safety of the community and a prompt resolution to this incident.
Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the Bridgeport Police Department at (203) 576-TIPS.
House Fire in Stratford Quickly Contained, No Injuries Reported
Shelton firefighters returned to Village Drive late Friday night to battle a structure fire, with flames reportedly shooting through the roof. This marks the second fire on the street in just two days.
Shelton, CT – A fast-moving fire broke out this morning at a residence, prompting a swift response from the Shelton Fire Department (SFD). At approximately 11:20 a.m., Companies 5, 3, and 1 were dispatched to the scene following reports of flames and smoke at the home.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered fire venting through the roof, prompting the first arriving unit to declare a working fire. Crews immediately initiated an interior attack while simultaneously securing a water supply.
Despite a brief evacuation for safety concerns, firefighters re-entered the structure and successfully extinguished the blaze within 35 minutes. Thankfully, all occupants and a dog had evacuated safely before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported.
Under the command of Assistant Chief Bob Finta, approximately 15 firefighters utilized Engines 52, 2, 35, 75 (from Monroe), and Ladder 51. Operations were directed by Car 1, with Car 4 ensuring safety protocols. To maintain citywide coverage, Company 4, along with engines from Derby and Nichols, operated under Car 2’s leadership.
Emergency medical standby was provided by EHAC, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s cause.
The American Red Cross is assisting four displaced occupants and their dog as the home has been deemed uninhabitable. Fire crews remained on the scene for about 1.5 hours to conduct salvage and overhaul operations.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Shelton Firefighters are on Village Drive for an attic fire.
Bridgeport firefighters responded to a rubbish fire at a homeless encampment near Railroad Avenue and South Avenue. The fire, which started inside a large drainage pipe used for shelter, was quickly extinguished. Social services were on-site to assist those displaced, but the local shelter was already at capacity. The status of the individuals affected remains unknown.
On December 2, 2024, during a routine patrol near Jane Street and Brooks Street, Officer Fischetti stopped a black BMW 535xi for having heavily tinted windows and an expired registration. Officer Thomas assisted with the stop, leading to the arrest of passenger Brandon Martinez. A search revealed 19.2 grams of fentanyl, 0.80 pounds of marijuana, empty packaging materials, and $467 in cash.
Martinez was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, with bond set at $70,000.
FAIRFIELD, CT – On December 1, 2024, at approximately 12:25 PM, the Fairfield Police Department was notified by an area hospital of a young adult male being treated for significant hand injuries, reportedly caused by an explosive device. The patient informed hospital staff that he and a friend had built and detonated multiple homemade explosive devices earlier that day.
An investigation revealed that the two individuals had constructed four devices using materials purchased online and at retail locations. They transported the devices to a secluded area in the Pine Creek Marsh, where they attempted to detonate them. Two devices were successfully detonated, but the third exploded prematurely, causing the injuries. The fourth device remained undetonated and was left at the scene.
After the explosion, the injured individual was driven to the hospital by the second subject, who then left and returned to their college residence out of state. Fairfield Police, in collaboration with the Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad, located and safely disposed of the undetonated device left in the Pine Creek Marsh.
The investigation extended to a residence on Arbor Drive, where additional materials related to the devices were discovered. As a precaution, several nearby homes were evacuated while the Stamford Bomb Squad and Fairfield Police secured the area. Residents were allowed to return later that evening.
Given that one individual had crossed state lines, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was contacted for assistance. The FBI supported the investigation by conducting interviews and coordinating efforts across jurisdictions. During interviews, the individuals indicated they had no intention of causing harm, describing the activity as experimentation.
The Fairfield Police Department emphasizes that this behavior is both unsafe and illegal. Homemade explosive devices pose significant risks and can result in severe injuries or death. While this incident did not escalate into a broader public safety threat, such experimentation could endanger the wider community.
The Fairfield Police Department thanks the Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad and the FBI for their assistance, ensuring residents’ safety and expediting the resolution of the situation. Residents are strongly urged to report any suspicious activity involving explosives or hazardous materials immediately.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Fairfield Police Department Detective Division at (203) 254-4840. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app, by texting ‘FPDCT’ and your message to 847411 (Tip411), or online at fpdct.com/tips.