Category: Bridgeport

Fire department update: At approximately 9:00 am, the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to the 50 block of Sedgewick Street for a structure fire. Arriving units found a fire in the rear of the building. The fire was quickly knocked down. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. The American Red Cross is relocating the displaced residents; 6 adults and 2 children.

Report of a fire on Sedgewick Street by North Ave in Bridgeport. Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and knocked down the fire and secured the building. The fire is out at this time. Red cross is on the way to relocate several families affected by the fire.

Report of a multi car crash around the 2500 block of Park Avenue in Bridgeport. A witness on scene said she heard a loud bang and police were right on scene.

Report of a Fire on Fox Street. Firefighters arrived on scene to fire in the back and side of the building. The fire has been knocked down at this time and there are currently no further details.

Westport, CT – The Conservation Department reminds Westport residents and landscape crews that this is the start of the second year of prohibition for gas-powered leaf blowers in Westport.  Starting on May 15, 2025, the use of handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited.

Conservation Director Colin Kelly stated, “As of Thursday, May 15, 2025, gas-powered leaf blowers may not be used during Summer. According to the Leaf Blower Ordinance, passed by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in 2023, ‘Summer’ is defined as the days beginning on May 15th and ending on October 15th of each year.” 

Additional information may be found on the Conservation Department page on the Town Website: Gas Powered Leaf Blower Ordinance

Mr. Kelly continued, “Last year we received numerous written complaints, and our office issued notices to 168 different properties in town. We contacted those owners to inform them about the local ordinance and provided them with sources of information that highlighted alternative options, impacts of noise, and how to limit emissions. This year, we are hoping to have a significant change in the number of property owners that are utilizing compliant equipment and hope they update their landscaping habits.”

He also stated that the Conservation Department will be responding as they did last year, “We need help from the public in gathering information. Let us know by email or letter if a property is using a prohibited blower. We will follow-up by reviewing each complaint and sending educational materials to those who are not adhering to the ordinance.” Contact the Conservation Office by email at: ckelly@westportct.gov or mail at: Conservation Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

For more information, contact the Conservation Department at 203-341-1170 or review its webpage: Conservation Department

Bridgeport, CT — In a historic move for Bridgeport athletics, Bassick High School and Harding High School have been officially accepted into the South-West Conference (SWC), effective with the 2026–2027 school year. This marks the first time in over a decade that these two schools will compete as full members of a structured interscholastic athletic conference, opening new doors for student-athletes in the city. 

The SWC voted last week to approve the expansion, which brings total membership to 16 schools. With this milestone, Bassick and Harding will now share the field, court, and track with some of the state’s most competitive and recognized programs, including Bethel, Brookfield, Bunnell, Immaculate, Joel Barlow, Kolbe Cathedral, Masuk, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Notre Dame Prep, Pomperaug, Stratford, and Weston. 

“This is a major moment for Bridgeport Public Schools,” said Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent. “For the first time in over ten years, our student-athletes at Bassick and Harding will compete in a conference that celebrates both competition and character. This opportunity affirms our commitment to equity, excellence, and the holistic development of every student.” 

“Bassick High School is proud to join the rich history of sportsmanship and competition within the Southwest Conference,” added Dr. Joseph Raiola, Principal of Bassick High School. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our scholar-athletes to challenge themselves, represent their school with pride, and grow as competitors and leaders. With our new building and upgraded athletic facilities opening in fall 2025, the timing couldn’t be better.” 

For Bassick and Harding, joining the SWC means access to a well-organized league schedule, postseason play under CIAC standards, and participation in league-wide recognition programs including academic awards, sportsmanship initiatives, and leadership development—such as the SWC Achievement Cup. 

“Joining the SWC will foster a sense of belonging and achievement among our student-athletes,” said Harding High School Principal Vernon Thompson. “This gives them the chance to grow through healthy competition and to be seen on the same platform as schools across Fairfield and New Haven counties.” 

Athletic Director Paul Catuccio shared, “This expansion into the South-West Conference is a game-changer for our schools. It provides a platform where our student-athletes can showcase their skills, gain new experiences, and push themselves to be the best. It’s an exciting new chapter in Bridgeport’s athletic history.” 

SWC Co-Commissioner Mike Santangeli said, “This is an exciting new chapter in the history of the South-West Conference. We welcome Bassick and Harding with open arms.” 
Co-Commissioner Mark Berkowitz added, “Our league has always been grounded in the values of education, sportsmanship, and collaboration—and we look forward to bringing these new member schools into that tradition.” 

Over the next year, the Athletic Directors and Principals of both schools will attend SWC meetings to become familiar with league operations and prepare for the 2026 launch. Final conference scheduling and divisional alignments will be announced in the coming months. 

Bridgeport Public Schools applauds this landmark decision and looks forward to seeing its athletes thrive in a league that reflects the values of excellence, competition, and community. 

A 27-year-old man arrested last week for holding a female captive on Gregory St. was charged today with Attempted Murder for two recent stabbings in Bridgeport. Nicholas Allwood was arraigned today at Bridgeport Superior Court at 172 Golden Hill St. and charged with Criminal Attempt Murder, two counts of Assault on the First Degree, and two counts of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.

Allwood is accused of stabbing the same adult male victim twice. The first stabbing happened at the intersection of Iranistan Ave. and State St. on February 10th, 2025. The second happened on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, on Hanover St. – two hours before the kidnapping arrest. The stabbing victim, a Bridgeport resident, suffered serious injuries during both attacks. Police are not releasing the motive for the assaults.

Detective Elizabeth Santora of the Homicide Unit investigated the stabbings that resulted in today’s charges. 

Allwood, who calls himself “Hot Head,” used an alias when he was shot on Gregory St. on Easter morning. With the help of the United States Marshals Service,  Bridgeport Homicide Detectives subsequently identified him. Allwood was found to have felony warrants in multiple states under his real name and date of birth.

The Bridgeport Police were searching for Nicholas Allwood when he committed the second stabbing on Wednesday. Bridgeport Detectives, Task Force Officers, FBI Task Force Officers and Bridgeport Patrol Officers then conducted nearly two-hour manhunt for him. He was tracked to a house on Gregory St. Officers were readying to enter the house when the kidnapping victim came running out chased by Allwood, who was armed with a knife. Police quickly disarmed Allwood and took him into custody. Officers did not know the female was being held against her will at the time. Allwood was also charged Wednesday with assaulting the female and assaulting a Bridgeport Police Officer, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, Reckless Endangerment and Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell. 

Nicholas Allwood was incarcerated at the Bridgeport Correctional Center when he was charged today. 

Report of a street fight on Markel Court, according to unconfirmed radio reports.

2025-05-05@10:42pm–#Bridgeport CT

Report of a tree that fell down and hit a house at the 700 block of Indian Avenue Ext.

Report of a ‘jack-knifed’ tractor trailer on I-95 between exits 26 and 27 Northbound. First responders are on scene.