The Bridgeport Police Department’s Homicide Unit is attempting to identify the adult males pictured here. They are wanted for firearm offenses only, related to the robbery/double homicide at an illegal gambling establishment at Stratford Ave. and Logan St. on March 30th, 2024. There are no arrest warrants at this time. This is solely a request for assistance in identification. These persons frequent the East End of Bridgeport. They are to be considered armed and dangerous. This alert is part of a continuing and comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Homicide Detective Keith Hanson at (203) 581-5243.
Bridgeport, CT – Yesterday, Mayor Ganim and Senator Richard Blumenthal announced state grant funding that will be used for restoring the Perry Memorial Arch, located at the entrance of Bridgeport’s Seaside Park. The $500,000 grant will be used to make many improvements on the archway, which includes: replacing the arch’s metal roof and gutters, pinning of walls and granite, repairs to the arch’s foundation, interior cleaning, plumbing and draining of abandoned formwork, cleaning of the bronze plaque, and other improvements. Restoration of the archway is set to begin July 2024.
Mayor Ganim stated, “I want to sincerely thank Senator Blumenthal and other state delegates for granting us the funds to preserve the Perry Memorial Arch. This archway serves as the gateway to Seaside Park and directly reflects the historic nature we hold to a high stature, here in Bridgeport. The archway has also served as the entry into many celebratory events throughout our City and I’m appreciative of the fact that this monument will continue to be a significant part of the fabric of our community.”
With over 100 years of history, the archway was constructed in 1918 underneath the creative direction of Henry Bacon, who was also responsible for the design of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Perry Memorial arch was designed as a tribute to William Perry, a former superintendent of the Wheeler and Wilson sewing machine company that once was based in Bridgeport during the latter half of the 1800s. Perry also served as the president of the Parks Board Commission in Bridgeport, to which his will funded the constructing of the archway leading into Seaside Park.
Mother’s Day Craft Days The Stratford Library Children’s Department will offer a Mother’s Day craft for children ages 3-5 on Tuesday, May 7 at 4pm and a craft for school-aged children on Thursday, May 9 at 4 pm. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
LEGO Club The Stratford Library Children’s Department will offer LEGO Club on Monday, May 13 at 4pm. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to register. Come build some LEGO creations with friends. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids. Junior Scientists Grab‘n’Go: How Plants Grow The Stratford Library Children’s Department will offer a Junior Scientists grab & go activity for children ages 4-7 with pick-ups starting on Thursday, May 16. Children can enjoy a science experiment with the help of an adult. This month’s topic will be “growing plants”. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids. Preschool Math Grab‘n’Go: Shapes The Stratford Library Children’s Department will offer a preschool math grab’n’go kit about shapes! Children ages 3-7 are welcome to sign up. Pick up for kits begin on Wednesday, May 22. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
The Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford, Connecticut will welcome back representatives and their “friends” from The Reptile Nook of Springfield, Massachusetts on Sunday, May 12 at 2 pm. The program is free and open to the public. Fascinating animal talk from guest speakers Jess and Zack Decoteau, animal keepers and educators from The Reptile Nook, will showcase a variety of reptiles for the program including Ralphie, the Bearded Dragon, Bluey, the Blue-Tongued Skink, Cream, the Corn Snake and Taco, the Cane Toad. The Reptile Nook is dedicated to teaching people of all ages about reptiles and amphibians hoping to help people both face their fears of these misunderstood creatures and to love and appreciate animals of all kinds.
“The Reptile Nook” talk will be held in the Stratford Library Lovell Room beginning at 2 pm on May 12. No reservations necessary. For further information, call the Library at 203.385.4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.
On May 1, 2024, Bridgeport Police Officers responded to a Shotspotter Activation in the area of the 100 block of Cleveland Avenue for two shots fired. Shotspotter is a gunshot detection technology that uses sophisticated acoustic sensors to detect, locate, and alert law enforcement agencies regarding gunfire incidents in real time. As officers arrived on scene, a preliminary investigation revealed a male suspect running on Madison Avenue. Officers immediately converged and searched the area and located a suspect who appeared to be sweating and hypervigilant walking on Madison Avenue. A subsequent pat down of the suspect yielded a loaded black Glock 43 (9mm) firearm loaded with 8 live rounds and one in the chamber. The firearm was reported stolen out of Henrico County Virginia and the suspect identified as 18-year-old Julio Martins out of Massachusetts also had no valid permit to carry. Evidence was also secured at the scene.
Thursday May 2nd, at approximately 5:30 AM, a dramatic event unfolded on Fairfield Avenue near Exit 15 on I-95. A tanker truck, carrying a substantial 8,500 gallons of gasoline, caught fire following a collision, resulting in a hazardous situation under the Fairfield Avenue overpass.
Fortunately, due to the swift action of our first responders, tragedy was averted. Reports confirm that a firefighter sustained a leg injury and was promptly transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment. However, there were no fatalities, underscoring the effectiveness of the emergency response team.
In light of this incident, it is anticipated that I-95 will remain closed until at least Monday. Emergency crews are mobilized for continuous operations to secure and remove the compromised overpass structure.
Governor Lamont, alongside Mayor Harry Rilling and officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and other pertinent state agencies, convened at the Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on the situation unfolding on I-95 in Norwalk.
Motorists are advised of the redirection of all traffic off I-95 between exits 14 and 16. Alternative routes have been recommended, emphasizing the importance for trucks to utilize I-84 and I-684, as per regulations prohibiting their access on the Merritt Parkway or the Wilbur Cross Parkway. Local signage should be carefully followed, and GPS shortcuts are discouraged.
Given the heightened traffic activity in the area, it is crucial for motorists to refrain from stopping on train tracks for safety reasons. Wireless emergency alerts are activated to keep residents informed about the status of the I-95 closure, with ongoing updates promised as developments unfold.
Regarding the spilled gasoline, approximately 4,500 gallons were contained within the truck, mitigating potential environmental impact. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has confirmed no contamination of the Norwalk River, and environmentally safe green foam was utilized for fire suppression, avoiding the use of PFAs.
Acknowledgments are extended to the dedicated and courageous first responders who effectively managed the situation and ensured the safety of all involved. Gratitude is expressed to the Norwalk police, fire, and EMS teams, as well as the collaborative efforts of New Canaan, Westport, Stamford, and Rowayton Fire Departments, whose swift response played a pivotal role in containing the incident.
The Merritt Parkway is currently shut down in the area of Exit 44 following an accident, a car crashed off into the woods and caught fire. The occupant has been taken to the hospital and there are no other updates at this time.
On May 1, 2024, around 11:45 PM, Westport Police responded to a report of two individuals attempting to enter vehicles on Hills Point Road near Compo Beach following a 911 call. Working alongside members of the Bridgeport Auto-Theft Task Force (BATF), they established a perimeter in the area. Two suspect vehicles, previously reported stolen from other jurisdictions, were observed leaving, prompting an attempted traffic stop by Westport Police. However, when the vehicles failed to stop, Westport Police chose not to pursue. BATF members, using unmarked cars, followed one of the suspect vehicles onto I-95, where it was eventually stopped in Stratford. Two juveniles, aged 14 and 17 from Danbury, were apprehended. The juvenile passenger was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 1st and Interfering with an Officer, while the juvenile driver faced charges including Engaging Police in Pursuit, Criminal Attempt to Assault Public Safety Officer, Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st, and Interfering with an Officer. Both juveniles were released to the custody of their parents pending a court date in Danbury Juvenile Court. Westport Police expressed gratitude to the public for their vigilance in reporting suspicious activity.
The Westport Police Department wants to again bring attention to the stolen vehicle activity that is occurring throughout town. Over the last several weeks, there has been an increase in stolen vehicle attempts, stolen vehicles, and car break-ins. The cars that were stolen or illegally entered had been left unlocked. One recent incident involved five masked individuals that were observed entering a garage and attempting to steal the vehicle inside. The group came to the area in a car which had been stolen from another jurisdiction.
These crimes are being actively investigated by the detective bureau with assistance from the Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force of which Westport Police is a member. In an effort to combat this uptick the police department will be increasing patrols. There are a number of preventative measures that should be taken to avoid becoming a victim. Everyone in the community should always lock their vehicles and homes. Make sure to double check before going to bed. Additionally, keep exterior lights on and if available utilize surveillance and/or alarm systems. Most importantly, call the police immediately to report any suspicious activity. The department strongly advises against confronting any of these suspects if you observe them on your property. There have been a number of incidents throughout the state where these
individuals have resorted to violence when confronted.
On Monday April 29, 2024, the Norwalk Police Special Services Division, Norwalk Emergency Services Unit Tactical Response Team, Stamford PD Tactical team, Darien PD, US Marshal’s Service, and the Bridgeport Office of the DEA executed 3 search warrants in Norwalk and one in Darien. This was the result of a 6 month investigation into Fentanyl trafficking in the greater Norwalk area. To date 17 Federal and state arrest warrants have been served. Approximately 15,000 bags of Fentanyl were seized, as well as 300 grams of pure fentanyl, 1 firearm, cocaine and approximately $13,000 in US Currency.
(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department wants to again bring attention to the stolen vehicle activity that is occurring throughout town. Over the last several weeks, there has been an increase in stolen vehicle attempts, stolen vehicles, and car break-ins. The cars that were stolen or illegally entered had been left unlocked. One recent incident involved five masked individuals that were observed entering a garage and attempting to steal the vehicle inside. The group came to the area in a car which had been stolen from another jurisdiction.
These crimes are being actively investigated by the detective bureau with assistance from the Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force of which Westport Police is a member. In an effort to combat this uptick the police department will be increasing patrols. There are a number of preventative measures that should be taken to avoid becoming a victim. Everyone in the community should always lock their vehicles and homes. Make sure to double check before going to bed. Additionally, keep exterior light on and if available utilize surveillance and/or alarm systems. Most importantly, call the police immediately to report any suspicious activity. The department strongly advises against confronting any of these suspects if you observe them on your property. There have been a number of incidents throughout the state where these individuals have resorted to violence when confronted.
