Category: Bridgeport

Bridgeport Father Of 9 Dies In Jet Ski Accident

On the evening of June 4, 2025, a personal watercraft accident on the Housatonic River tragically claimed the life of 45-year-old Carlos M. Cruz Gonzalez of Bridgeport. Authorities responded shortly after 10:05 p.m. to the area near Sikorsky Aircraft after receiving a report of an overturned jet ski. Gonzalez was discovered on the river’s west shore and was pronounced dead on site. An autopsy concluded his death resulted from blunt-force trauma to the head, torso, and limbs, and the incident was classified as accidental .

Born in Puerto Rico, Gonzalez had been a Bridgeport resident for nearly two decades. His obituary celebrated his “radiant personality” and mechanical prowess, noting that he worked as an auto technician and was beloved for his sociable, upbeat demeanor. A devoted father of nine, he enjoyed playing music—especially in his Jeep—and had a passion for jet-skiing, which his obituary described as part of his adventurous spirit ctpost.com.

He is survived by his nine children and three siblings. Memorial services took place on June 10 at Peaceful Light Funeral Home in Bridgeport, followed by interment at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.

Mr. Cruz’s obituary and a video celebrating his life can be found here: https://www.luzdepaz.com/obituaries/carlos-cruz-gonzalez

Bridgeport Man Held on $1.2M Bond in Stalking and Firearm Case

On June 5, 2025, Hippolito Rodriguez, age 52, of Bridgeport was arrested by warrant for six different incidents where he harassed and stalked an ex-girlfriend. The incidents took place from January to April of this year. Rodriguez was initially arrested last Wednesday, 5/28/2025, by the United States Marshalls Fugitive Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. Rodriguez was arrested on 5 failure to appear warrants for cases from Bridgeport, Connecticut State Police and Branford Police Department.

In the Ansonia cases Hippolito Rodriguez was charged with 7 counts of Violation of Restraining Order, 7 counts of Stalking First Degree, 7 counts of Harassment Second Degree, 3 counts of Criminal Trespass First Degree, single counts of Burglary Third Degree with a Firearm, Burglary Third Degree, Threatening First Degree, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Use of a Firearm, Criminal Mischief Third Degree, and Larceny Sixth Degree. Rodriguez was held on $1,225,000.00 in bonds to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court today 6/5/2025.

All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bridgeport Public Schools Expands Career Pathways at New Bassick High School

Bridgeport, CT — Bridgeport Public Schools is expanding its career and technical education offerings through new and strengthened partnerships at the all-new, state-of-the-art Bassick High School, set to open for the 2025–2026 school year. Located next to the University of Bridgeport, the redesigned campus will offer full-year, school-day programs in Carpentry and Culinary Arts, connecting students to high-demand career fields. 

Key partners include The Justice Education Center, Inc. (TJEC) and the Carpenters Union of Connecticut, led by President Ernest Pagan, a champion for workforce access in underserved communities. 

“Our goal is to give inner-city youth a path to the trades so they can participate in the redevelopment of their communities, earn fair wages and benefits, and one day retire with dignity,” said Pagan. 

Through TJEC’s Career Pathways Technology Collaborative, students will receive pre-apprenticeship credentialed training in carpentry and other trades, earning certifications such as OSHA 10, ServSafe, and CPR/First Aid. Programs focus on hands-on learning, contextualized academics, and career readiness. 

“This is about more than buildings—it’s about building futures,” said Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools. “We want every student to graduate with real options—whether college, career, or the trades.” 

Principal Joseph Raiola of Bassick High School emphasized the power of these partnerships: 

“The new Bassick is not just a beautiful building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when schools, labor, and community come together. We’re giving students real skills, real certifications, and a real shot at success,” Raiola said. 

These initiatives reflect a broader commitment across Bridgeport Public Schools to expand access to sustainable career pathways, foster equity, and prepare students to lead in their communities. 

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