Month: January 2025

Bridgeport Regional Task Force Arrests Convicted Felon on Firearm and Drug Charges

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In January, the Bridgeport Regional Task Force launched an investigation into Ralph Cora, 41, of Bridgeport, after receiving intelligence that he possessed a firearm despite previous felony convictions. On January 14, officers located Cora near Park Avenue and Gregory Street and conducted an investigative stop as he moved to Taft Avenue.

A search of Cora’s vehicle uncovered a Palmetto Armory 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, a U.S. Army ballistic vest, and 110 bags of marijuana weighing approximately two pounds. Cora was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine, Illegal Transfer of a Pistol, Weapons in a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of Body Armor, and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell.

Convicted Felon Arrested in Shelton on Multiple Firearm and Narcotics Charges

Shelton Police arrested Edward Vickers on January 16, 2025, in connection with a November 2023 incident where an AK-47 with a high-capacity magazine was discovered in plain view at a downtown Shelton residence during a burglary investigation. Following a search warrant, police uncovered 13 illegal firearms, narcotics, numerous high-capacity magazines, and body armor, linking the contraband to Vickers. He was not present at the time of the initial search, but subsequent investigations led to an arrest warrant.

Vickers was apprehended in Bridgeport by members of several law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and Connecticut State Police, after being spotted entering his vehicle during surveillance. He faces charges for possession of high-capacity magazines, a sawed-off shotgun, altered firearms, stolen firearms, and criminal possession of both firearms and body armor, along with narcotics offenses. Held on a $1.5 million bond, Vickers was transported to Derby Superior Court on January 17, 2025.

Bridgeport Public Schools Announces Guidelines for Protecting Students During Potential ICE Raids

Bridgeport, CT – January 21, 2025 – In response to growing concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, Bridgeport Public Schools is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the safety and privacy of all students and families. During the Board of Education meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery emphasized that the district’s immigration enforcement guidelines are in full effect and are designed to safeguard students, regardless of their immigration status.

Key Guidelines and Protocols:

  1. Visitor Protocol: All visitors must report to the main office, present valid identification, and state a legitimate purpose for their visit. Unauthorized individuals will be denied access.
  2. Immigration Enforcement Restrictions: Federal immigration activities are strictly prohibited on school property, transportation routes, and during school activities unless prior approval is granted by the Superintendent. ICE agents or other government officials are not allowed to enter school buildings, buses, or attend school events without written authorization.
  3. Student Privacy Protections: Bridgeport Public Schools does not collect or store information regarding students’ immigration status, ensuring the privacy and safety of all students.

Steps to Follow if an ICE Officer Arrives:

  • Secure the Premises: Communicate with the officer using the intercom and, if necessary, lock all exterior doors to prevent unauthorized entry.
  • Meet the Officer at the Entrance: ICE officers should always be met at the school entrance, where all visitors are screened for entry.
  • Request Officer Information: Ask for the ICE officer’s name, badge/ID number, and the reason for the visit.
  • Contact the Superintendent’s Office: Immediately notify the Superintendent’s office to ensure they are informed and can take the necessary action.
  • Do Not Physically Interfere: If the ICE officer does not comply with district protocols, do not physically intervene. Instead, gather information and notify district security supervisors and the Superintendent’s office.

Commitment to Community Engagement and Support

Bridgeport Public Schools is collaborating with key community partners, including the Connecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants, CT Students For A Dream, and others, to host a series of community forums and training sessions in the coming weeks. These forums will provide the Bridgeport community with essential resources and information to address concerns related to student safety and immigration. Additionally, the district is offering professional development for staff to equip them with the knowledge and tools to support students and families during challenging times.

Dr. Avery reiterated that Bridgeport Public Schools remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. The district continues to collaborate with the Bridgeport Police Department to uphold student safety, privacy, and well-being.

Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery’s Statement:

“We will not tolerate any threats to the safety or dignity of our students. Every student in Bridgeport, regardless of their immigration status, has the right to feel secure and supported in our schools. I became an educator to advocate for all students, and I will ensure their rights and privacy are upheld. Our schools will remain a safe space where all students can learn, grow, and succeed without fear or discrimination.”

Car Stolen While Victim Pumped Gas in Westport, Police Investigating

Westport Police responded to the Exxon gas station at 485 Post Road East on January 20, 2025, at approximately 3:44 PM for a stolen vehicle report. The complainant was pumping gas on the passenger side of their black 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS when a young Black male entered the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The suspect exited a car on Post Road East near the gas station before entering the victim’s vehicle without their knowledge. When the complainant tried to intervene by opening the driver’s door, the suspect drove off, causing the complainant to fall to the ground and sustain minor injuries.

The suspect fled the scene in the stolen vehicle along with a second vehicle, both heading north on Compo Road North. The complainant declined medical treatment for their injuries. Westport Police are actively investigating the incident and are attempting to locate the stolen vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Westport Police Department at (203) 341-6000.

Norwalk Vape Shop Arrests

During the week of January 13, 2025, the Norwalk Police Department’s Special Services Division, in collaboration with the State of Connecticut Drug Control Division, conducted operations at three smoke shops in Norwalk as part of an ongoing investigation into unlicensed cannabis sales and the distribution of products containing THC levels exceeding legal limits. Authorities have also been addressing numerous complaints of vape and tobacco sales to minors, illegal marijuana sales, and the distribution of high-THC products, including edibles.

The investigation led to arrests at the following locations:

At Sono One Stop on 83 Washington Street, police arrested 45-year-old Mohamed Ali Zaiden of North Main Street, Norwalk, on January 15. Zaiden faces multiple charges, including illegal sale and manufacture of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities seized a variety of contraband, including pre-rolled cannabis products, THC flower pouches, THC vape products, THC resin, and edibles, as well as $691 in cash. Zaiden was held on a $6,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 29.

At R&R Smoke Shop and Convenience on 213 Main Street, officers arrested 23-year-old Abdellahi Ahmedou-Touh, also of Norwalk, on January 15. He was charged with possession and sale of more than 1 kilogram of cannabis, along with other related offenses. Police seized illegal THC vape products, edibles, vacuum seal bags, and packaging materials commonly used for cannabis products. The operation also uncovered marijuana flower products and $1,565 in cash. Ahmedou-Touh’s bond was set at $150,000, with a court date scheduled for January 29.

At VP Snack and Soda 108 Varieties and Deli on 108 Connecticut Avenue, 34-year-old Mohamed Salem Yaghla of the Bronx, New York, was arrested on January 14. Yaghla was charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 1 kilogram of cannabis and the illegal sale and manufacture of cannabis. Seized items included illegal THC edibles in branded packaging, along with $1,473 in cash. Yaghla was released on a $6,500 bond and is set to appear in court on January 28.

These investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue to crack down on illegal cannabis-related activities and unregulated vape product sales within the city.

Teen On Moped and Car Collide

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A teenager riding a moped was injured in a collision with a car at the intersection of Tunxis Hill and Knapps Highway on Monday evening.

The incident occurred around 5:55 p.m., and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. The teen was transported to the hospital with injuries, the extent of which remains unknown at this time.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about the circumstances leading to the collision. The incident remains under investigation. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

2025-01-20@5:55pm–#Fairfield CT

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