Year: 2024

Intoxicated Suspect Arrested After Assault and Firearm Incident on Maplewood Ave

On October 19, 2024, Officer S. Singh, along with Officers J. Motasky, D. Bahr, M. Cuno, and J. Bastidas, responded to a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon in the 300th block of Maplewood Ave. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who had been assaulted with a tree branch and sustained a laceration to the forehead. The victim was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.

Officers successfully apprehended the suspect, who was heavily intoxicated, and recovered a firearm at the scene. Due to the suspect’s level of intoxication, he was also transported to the hospital for further evaluation, where Officer Bastidas remained with him until his discharge.

All officers involved submitted incident reports and turned in evidence. Officers Motasky and Cuno also completed use of force reports. Body-worn camera footage from the incident was reviewed. All officers did an excellent job managing the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Oscar Espejo-Gonzalez, age 56, of Bridgeport, has been charged with breach of peace in the second degree, illegal alteration of a firearm, illegal carrying of a firearm under the influence of drugs or alcohol, threatening in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and reckless endangerment in the first degree. His bond has been set at $75,000.00.

Person Shot

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Update from Bridgeport Police:
On October 20, 2024, at approximately 11:20 am Bridgeport Police responded to the 200 block of Goddard Avenue on report(s) of a person shot in the street.  Patrol officers responded to the area and located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.  The victim was transported to an area hospital via AMR ambulance where he is listed in critical condition. 

The Detective Bureau has responded and taken charge of the criminal investigation.  A crime scene has been secured on Goddard Avenue between Cogswell Street and Rockland Street.  Multiple items of evidence have been observed at the scene.  Those items, and more, will be collected and processed by the Police Department’s Forensic Identification Unit.    

Detectives are currently canvassing the area, identifying witnesses, and documenting 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 Jeffrey Holtz, at 203-581-5243.  Citizens can also utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips line at 203 576-TIPS.

No further information is available at this time.

Bridgeport Police are investigating a shooting inside a home on Goddard Avenue. Unconfirmed radio reports said the person was shot in the head but was still alive when they transported to the hospital. Police confirmed a preliminary report of aggravated assault with a firearm.

2024-10-10@11:58am–#Bridgeport CT

Restaurant Fire

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Firefighters are on the scene of a kitchen fire at Los Alebrijes Restaurant on Madison Avenue. The fire was quickly extinguished. The fire marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire as well as the health department.

2024-10-19@7:16pm–#Bridgeport CT– #ctfire

Westport Fire Department partner with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for the annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive

Westport, CT – The Westport Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Nick Marsan, is proud to partner with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for the annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive

As colder months approach, the Westport Fire Department invites the community to help keep neighbors in need warm this winter. Chief Marsan noted, “This drive impacts hundreds of men, women, and children from some of the area’s most distressed neighborhoods. A coat may seem simple, but it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”

We are accepting donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snow suits at the following locations through November 12th:

Westport Fire Headquarters: 515 Post Road East
Westport Senior Center: 21 Imperial Avenue
Town Hall: 11 Myrtle Avenue

Collection boxes will also be placed at several public schools around town. Once collected, Westport firefighters will sort and transport these items to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois, President of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, highlighted the community’s vital role in the effort: “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,350 coats.”

Anna Rycenga, a Westport resident and volunteer, added: “Please join the WFD and me this winter in supporting families in need. Many go without a warm coat, but together, we can make a meaningful difference by sharing the warmth—one coat at a time.”

Bridgeport Rescue Mission provides food, safe housing & addiction recovery services in Coastal Connecticut. They offer services and programs such as safe housing, where men and women are provided clothing and hot meals. Programs and services provided by Bridgeport Rescue Mission are free of charge; granting our neighbors in need an opportunity for hope and a pathway to change. BridgeportRescueMission.org

Wakeman Gets STEM Lab

The Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) celebrated the opening of the ASML STEM Lab & Makerspace at its Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

The new lab was funded by a $659,000 grant from ASML, a leading supplier to the semiconductor industry based in the Netherlands, with over 3,000 employees in Wilton, Connecticut. This funding, disbursed over three years, will equip the lab with essential materials, provide professional development for WBGC staff, and facilitate STEM-focused field trips. ASML employees will also volunteer at the site.

“Our partnership with ASML is crucial for our community,” said WBGC CEO Sabrina E. Smeltz. “STEM education and access to technology are vital for our youth’s future.”

The STEM programming at WBGC encompasses computer science, coding, robotics, hydroponics, and greenhouse gardening. The lab features 3D printers, laser engraver printers, microscopes, robotics kits, and drones.

“This collaboration supports our mission to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life and workforce readiness,” Smeltz added.

ASML aims to increase the STEM talent pool through community partnerships. The WBGC STEM Lab follows the expansion of the ASML Junior Academy in the U.S., which, in partnership with Mad Science, offers free technology lessons to children ages 4 to 12 in Wilton and nearby communities.

“ASML is dedicated to raising awareness of STEM career paths among students,” said Louis Lu, head of ASML’s Wilton site. “The programming at the ASML STEM Lab & Makerspace will provide local youth with high-tech tools and training, potentially igniting interests that lead to fulfilling careers in STEM.”

Bridgeport Police and Fire Departments Unite for “Hero’s Unity Run” Honoring Fallen Heroes


Bridgeport, CT – On October 18, 2024, the City of Bridgeport hosted the “Hero’s Unity Run,” bringing together recruits from both the Police and Fire Departments to strengthen their bonds while honoring fallen officers and firefighters. The event highlighted the departments’ shared commitment to public safety and community service, symbolizing unity in their mission to protect the city.

Mayor Ganim, who participated in the event, praised the recruits’ dedication and service. “I can tell people in the city of Bridgeport and beyond, these recruits are nothing but the best, and it’s a great honor to work out with you guys today,” said Mayor Ganim.

The run began at the Bridgeport Fire Headquarters on Congress Street, with the first stop at the Police Headquarters for a physical workout. The recruits then continued their route, pausing at James Street for a moment of silence to honor Officer Gerald DiJoseph, who lost his life during a motor vehicle stop. At 41 Elmwood Avenue, the group honored Firefighters Lt. Steven Velasquez and Michel Baik, who lost their lives in the line of duty while battling a fire. The final stop took place at the Wood Avenue Firehouse before the group completed the run back to Congress Street.

Police Chief Porter expressed pride in the collaboration between the two departments. “This event reflects the strong relationship we’ve built between our police and fire recruits. Running and training together shows that, as a city, we are united in our efforts to protect Bridgeport. We are ‘One City, Bridgeport Strong.'”

The “Hero’s Unity Run” not only served as an opportunity for physical fitness but also as a tribute to the bravery of the men and women who have given their lives in service to the city. Fire Chief Edwards added, “Today, we honor the fallen while also looking forward to the future with confidence. Our recruits are receiving the best training, and this event proves the unity we have in protecting our community.”

GOVERNOR LAMONT AND SECRETARY THOMAS REMIND CONNECTICUT VOTERS THAT 14 DAYS OF EARLY VOTING BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 21

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas today are reminding voters in Connecticut that a 14-day period of early voting for the 2024 general election is set to begin on Monday, October 21, 2024.

Early voting provides all voters with the opportunity to cast their ballots in-person on a day of their choosing in advance of Election Day – including on two separate weekends – creating more convenience for voters and encouraging greater participation in elections.

This is the first time in history that early voting is being offered in Connecticut for a general election, making the state one of the last in the nation to enact a system of early voting. Connecticut was the 47th state to adopt early voting.

“Connecticut is finally joining the rest of the nation by having a system of early voting, and our hope is that the convenience this creates will encourage more people to vote,” Governor Lamont said. “Early voting is nearly identical to voting on Election Day with two main differences. First, instead of going to your normal polling place, every town has at least one designated location where all early voting for that town is held. Most towns are choosing to do their early voting at their town hall, however it may vary, so check for your town’s early voting location before you go. Second, all ballots cast during the early voting period will remain secured and unopened until Election Day, when election officials begin the counting process.”

“After years of waiting, voters will no longer need to worry that an emergency or unexpected event could prevent them from casting their vote,” Secretary Thomas said. “Early voting provides every type of Connecticut voter, from seniors, parents, and students, to commuters, those who work long hours, and anyone with an unreliable schedule. Together with our office, registrars of voters and town clerks have worked diligently and collaboratively on a nonpartisan basis all year on the roll out of early voting in order to ensure a safe, secure election for all.”

“Early voting offers convenience and flexibility in voting, ensuring that your voice is heard without the constraints of a single Election Day,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Many people do not have the privilege of flexible work hours, reliable childcare options, or circumstances that allow them to cast their vote on Election Day. That’s why almost every other state in the country offers an early voting option, and now Connecticut residents have the choice too. So, whether you’re busy on Election Day or just prefer to vote at your own pace, early voting empowers you to participate in shaping the future of our democracy.”

A list containing each town’s designated early voting location can be found online at myvote.ct.gov. Voters can also check the website of their town’s registrar of voters for location information. Voters can only vote in the town in which they are registered.

The 14 days of early voting and their hours of operation for the 2024 general election are as follows:

  1. Monday, October 21, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  2. Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  3. Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  4. Thursday, October 24, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  5. Friday, October 25, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  6. Saturday, October 26, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  7. Sunday, October 27, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  8. Monday, October 28, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  9. Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  10. Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  11. Thursday, October 31, 2024 – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  12. Friday, November 1, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  13. Saturday, November 2, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  14. Sunday, November 3, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and all polling places in Connecticut will be open like normal from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Election officials in every town keep a record of every voter who has voted early, preventing them from voting early at any other location, submitting an absentee ballot, or voting on Election Day.

For more information about voting in Connecticut, visit myvote.ct.gov.

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