Bridgeport firefighters rescued five people from a structure fire Sunday night in the 1200 block of Kossuth Street. A ceiling collapse inside the building forced crews to evacuate and continue firefighting operations from the exterior.
Firefighters were dispatched to Greene Homes tonight for an automatic alarm, which was quickly upgraded to a full assignment while crews were en route after additional information indicated an active fire. Upon arrival, smoke was visible from the sixth floor of the building.
Crews advanced to the sixth floor, stretched a line from the standpipe, and extinguished a bedroom fire. All occupants were already out of the building when firefighters arrived, and a small number of pets were removed safely. No further issues were reported at the scene.
We’re a two-person independent local news team, if you like what we do, you can support us by:
Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/doingitlocal
Become a Facebook Subscriber: https://www.facebook.com/DoingItLocal/subscribe/
Support us on Patreon at https://patreon.com/doingitlocal
Directly donate via https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N56AVL6EUFP6N
Help us continue to deliver breaking local news, while gaining access to special supporter-only behind-the-scenes content.
Report of a fire at the abandoned Harding High School building at the 1700 block of Central Ave. Firefighters on scene are reporting fire in a window and are currently putting it out at this time.
We’re a two-person independent local news team, if you like what we do, you can support us by:
Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/doingitlocal
Become a Facebook Subscriber: https://www.facebook.com/DoingItLocal/subscribe/
Support us on Patreon at https://patreon.com/doingitlocal
Directly donate via https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N56AVL6EUFP6N
Help us continue to deliver breaking local news, while gaining access to special supporter-only behind-the-scenes content.
The Bridgeport Police Departments Narcotics and Vice Unit, along with the Patrol Division conduct motor vehicle stop on January 12, 2026, at approximately 19:05 hours, leading to Firearm Seizure and Narcotics Arrest.
Bridgeport Tactical Narcotics Unit, along with the Patrol Division announce the successful arrest and seizure of Donovan Green of Bridgeport and Dante Archibald of Bridgeport, resulting from a motor vehicle stop in the area of Shelton St. and Park St.
During the stop, Members of the Narcotics Division seized (2) loaded firearms and 1.7 grams of crack cocaine.
The following items were recovered during Donovan Green’s arrest:
· (1) Glock 43X 9mm firearm
The following items were recovered during Dante Archibald’s arrest:
· (1) Ruger .380 LCP firearm
· 1.7 grams of crack cocaine
Donovan Green was charged with the following:
· C.G.S. 29-35(a)(1) Carrying a Pistol w/o Permit
· C.G.S. 29-36K Illegal Transfer of Firearm
· C.G.S. 53a-212 Stealing a Firearm
Bond Set at $ 100,000
Dante Archibald was charged with the following:
· C.G.S. 29-36 Alteration of Firearm Identification
· C.G.S. 53a-155 Tampering – Physical Evidence
· C.G.S. 29-33 Illegal Transfer of Firearm
· C.G.S. 53a-217 Criminal Possession of Firearm
· C.G.S. 29-35(a)(1) Carrying Pistol w/o permit
· C.G.S. 21a-278(b (1A Possession w/ Intent Narcotic Substance
Bond Set at $150,000
The Bridgeport Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of its residents.
Anyone with information regarding illegal narcotics activity, is encouraged to contact the Bridgeport Police Narcotics Tip Line at (203) 576 – 7903.
The Bridgeport Police have arrested a city man for vandalizing a Hanukkah menorah at a Park Ave. synagogue last month. Austin Smalls, 29, of Bridgeport, turned himself in on Tuesday night at police headquarters. There was a warrant for his arrest.
Smalls is charged with Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree and Disorderly Conduct. He was processed and released on a promise to appear in court. He was ordered by the judge who signed the warrant to stay away from the synagogue.
Surveillance video from Congregation B’nai Isreal on Park Ave. shows Smalls arriving there in a vehicle registered to him at approximately 3:00 a.m. on December 24th, 2025. He then rocks the menorah back and forth numerous times until it topples over and crashes to the ground.
Hours later on 12/24/25, Smalls was arrested by Bridgeport Police in an unrelated incident several miles away. He was driving the same car and wearing the same clothing as seen in the surveillance video from the synagogue. Police had not yet been advised of the vandalism of the menorah at the time of that arrest.
Report of a motor vehicle accident involving a school bus at the intersection of East Main and Arctic Street. 13 individuals have been transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.
Report of a number of crashes on the northbound I-95 past exit 27. No word on any injuries, expect delays.
2026-01-14@6:55pm– #Bridgeport CT #ctraffic
Governor Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol in response to a blast of arctic air expected to impact the state, bringing dangerously low temperatures and wind chills that could be life-threatening. The statewide protocol goes into effect Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and will remain active until noon on Friday, January 16, 2026. Forecasts call for overnight low temperatures in the low to mid-teens, with wind chills ranging from 0°F to 10°F and gusty northwest winds.
The purpose of the protocol is to protect vulnerable populations from prolonged exposure to extreme cold. While active, state agencies and municipalities coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s shelter network to ensure anyone in need can access shelter, warming centers, and transportation if necessary. Anyone seeking shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1, where operators can provide up-to-date availability and assist with transportation.
During the activation, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network to monitor shelter capacity statewide. This allows 2-1-1 to act as a central clearinghouse for shelter placement. Local officials can also use WebEOC to notify the state and 2-1-1 when temporary shelters or warming centers are opened. Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Department of Housing, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services are coordinating with 2-1-1, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, and community providers to arrange transportation for individuals seeking shelter.
“As another blast of cold air moves into the state Thursday night, we’re activating this protocol to ensure that shelters and warming centers are available for anyone who needs it,” Governor Lamont said.
At the municipal level, Mayor Joe Ganim and the City of Bridgeport have also activated a Cold Weather Protocol, beginning Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and remaining in effect until noon on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Officials warn that wind chill values in Bridgeport are expected to be near zero, with slippery road conditions possible during morning commutes.
City officials urge residents to take precautions during the cold snap, including checking heating devices, avoiding the use of stoves or ovens for home heating due to fire and carbon monoxide risks, following manufacturer instructions for generators and never using them indoors, bringing pets inside, watching for ice on pipes and walkways, bundling up when outdoors, and checking on elderly neighbors and family members.
To protect the homeless population, Bridgeport’s Operation Care initiative is active. Residents who encounter individuals in need of shelter are encouraged to call 2-1-1. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team is actively connecting people to shelters including Prospect House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and Alpha Community Services. Anyone seeking assistance may also go directly to 650 Park Avenue for support.
Senior Centers (Weekdays Only, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.):
GBT Station:
Bridgeport Public Library Branches:
Overnight Shelter / Case Worker Support:
Residents experiencing power outages are advised to contact United Illuminating’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-722-5584.
For emergency management updates and preparedness resources, residents can visit ct.gov/ctprepares and are encouraged to follow the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest local updates.
There was an initial call of a potential fire at Barnum School, 495 Waterview Ave in Bridgeport. Firefighters arrived on scene, and found no sign of smoke or fire.
We’re a two-person independent local news team, if you like what we do, you can support us by:
Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/doingitlocal
Become a Facebook Subscriber: https://www.facebook.com/DoingItLocal/subscribe/
Support us on Patreon at https://patreon.com/doingitlocal
Directly donate via https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N56AVL6EUFP6N
Help us continue to deliver breaking local news, while gaining access to special supporter-only behind-the-scenes content.
According to unconfirmed radio reports from state police, police are currently investigating a report of shots fired in the area of the 1400 block of Reservoir Avenue. The current report is that police are looking for a black vehicle with multiple occupants.
