Category: Bridgeport

Bassick High School Students Build on Success with Second Plane in Bridgeport Public Schools’ Tango Flight Program

Bridgeport, CT —Students at Bassick High School are currently building their second 12-foot-long aircraft as part of the groundbreaking Tango Flight program. This marks a significant milestone in a journey that began in 2022, following the successful completion and flight of their first two-seat plane in July 2024. The students, in collaboration with Three Wing Aviation at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, tested and certified the aircraft, allowing them to experience firsthand the culmination of their hard work.

“The first plane was an extraordinary achievement, and now our students are building on that success,” said Aaron Hollander, CEO of First Aviation Services and founder of Tango Flight. “Their dedication, passion, and persistence continue to inspire.”

The new 12-foot-long aircraft, expected to be completed by 2026, is another reflection of the students’ growth, teamwork, and hands-on learning. The Tango Flight program provides students with invaluable experience in STEM fields and aviation, along with certifications in key skills such as sheet metal work, riveting, and drilling—opening doors to careers in the aviation industry.

In addition to the ongoing success of the program, Bassick High School’s new, state-of-the-art facilities, opening in 2026, will provide dedicated, expansive spaces to support the Tango Flight program’s continued growth and ensure students have the resources they need to thrive in aviation projects.

Principal Dr. Joseph Raiola expressed his pride: “Seeing our students work together to build and fly an airplane has been an incredibly rewarding experience. With the new school opening in 2026, we are confident that our students will have even more opportunities to succeed.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery emphasized the program’s broader impact: “Tango Flight shows how innovative educational opportunities inspire students to pursue their dreams. We are working alongside our community to ensure students have the resources they need, and we will continue to fight for opportunities that help them succeed.”

With continued support from Three Wing Aviation and mentorship from aviation industry professionals, the second 12-foot-long aircraft is set to take flight in 2026, furthering the students’ educational and career opportunities in aviation.

Three Arrested Following Smoke Shop Inspections in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT – On March 26, 2025, the Fairfield Police Department Detective Division, working in collaboration with several state agencies, conducted inspections at multiple smoke shops in town. The operation involved the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Mental Health Services, Department of Labor, and Department of Revenue Services.

The inspections uncovered a large quantity of illegal THC products including vape pens, edibles, pre-rolls, and marijuana. The Fairfield Police Department’s Quality of Life Unit seized the contraband, and investigations into the businesses remain ongoing.

Two individuals, Aseel Alsaidi and Jabar Saidi, were arrested at US 1 Vape Shop and charged with possession of marijuana over eight ounces with intent to sell, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia in a drug factory situation. A third individual, Issa Albahari, was arrested at World Smoke & Cigar and charged with possession of marijuana over one kilogram with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia in a drug factory situation.

Both establishments were also cited for illegally selling vape or nicotine products to a person under the age of 21. All three individuals are scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on April 9, 2025.

Bridgeport, CT – Family members of Dyshan Best, a local man fatally shot by police, are demanding transparency, accountability, and a full investigation following the release of body camera footage and initial details surrounding the incident.

In an emotional public statement, family members and community advocates voiced serious concerns about the circumstances of Dyshan’s death, calling into question the police response, the handling of evidence, and what they say are conflicting narratives emerging from the authorities.

“We live in an AI world that will make you think that you know things aren’t what they actually are,” one speaker said, emphasizing the need for professional analysis of all footage. “You can’t rush to judgment based on those videos.”

According to the family, Dyshan had turned his life around, working as a tractor-trailer driver and being a dedicated father. His sister, who raised him from infancy, described him as a “gentle person” who “did not deserve this to happen to him the way it did.”

The family expressed frustration with the initial police engagement, stating that Dyshan appeared to run after officers opened a car door and said they needed to pat him down based on a report of a firearm. “If someone addresses me and snatches my door open, I might run too,” his sister said. “So that means you’re gonna shoot me down?”

Advocates representing the family stated there was no felony in progress that would justify the use of deadly force under the “fleeing felon” rule. “You don’t become the judge, jury, and executioner because in your mind you feel that something went wrong,” one speaker said. “Preservation of life has to be the protocol.”

Questions also surround the body camera footage released by the police. The family said it appeared manipulated or unclear, noting that Dyshan initially appeared to be holding a cell phone and a bottle, and not a weapon. “We need the actual videos, not self-serving clips,” they insisted.

No confirmation has been made by the police regarding whether a gun was recovered at the scene. Family members said they have not been told definitively by authorities that Dyshan was armed, and stressed the importance of waiting for the Inspector General’s office to complete a full investigation.

In the meantime, the family plans to peacefully protest, with the police chief reportedly assuring them that their rights to protest would be respected. “We have a right to protest without feeling like we’re under investigation,” they said.

At the center of the family’s call for justice is a belief that Dyshan’s life could have been spared. “Let him go,” one speaker said. “At least he would still be here.”

Dyshan’s sister recalled not being able to watch the full video. “I couldn’t even see the whole tape… it looked like he had a phone in his hand.” Another family member added, “He wasn’t a thug. He was a pallbearer. He turned his life around.”

As the family waits for autopsy results and further answers, they say they are committed to holding the Bridgeport Police Department accountable and ensuring this case receives the full scrutiny it deserves.

“This is sick. This needs to stop,” his sister said. “The city of Bridgeport is accountable for their officers… and we’re not standing for it.”

Barricades Around Bridgeport Police Department

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Barricades were observed around the Bridgeport Police Department at 300 Congress Street. A source tells me it is in response to a video that has been circulating about the police involved shooting on Kossuth Street on Monday. The video was from a citizen who recorded the shooting.

2025-04-02 #Bridgeport CT

Police Involved Shooting

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Bridgeport Police said in a statement: “At approximately 6:00pm, there was an officer-involved shooting in the area of Kossuth Street and Beecher Street. At this time, the Inspector General’s Office is taking over the investigation. By state statute, all further information will come from their office.”

2025-03-31@5:55pm–#Bridgeport CT

UPDATE From the Bridgeport Police:
Bridgeport Police Department Call for Service 25-26791 / Bridgeport Police Officer-Involved Shooting / 1400 block of Kossuth Street, Bridgeport, CT

On March 31, 2025, at approximately 5:50 pm uniformed Bridgeport Police officers responded to the 1600 block of East Main Street on reports of a large street fight.  Suspects involved in the fight were reported to be in possession of firearms.  A short time later, Officers responding to the area observed a suspect vehicle near the intersection of Kossuth Street & Beecher Street where they attempted a felony motor vehicle stop.  A suspect quickly exited the vehicle and led at least one uniformed police officer in a foot pursuit along Kossuth Street.  The foot pursuit ultimately proceeded into a driveway within the 1400 block of Kossuth Street where an officer-involved shooting occurred.  A firearm was recovered at the scene (driveway – 1400 block of Kossuth Street).  The suspect was transported to Bridgeport Hospital where he underwent surgery.  He was pronounced deceased later that same evening.

When a police officer employs deadly force in the line of duty, it is imperative that a thorough and impartial investigation be conducted. Pursuant to the Connecticut Police Accountability Act, the Office of the Inspector General, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad will lead this investigation.

Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter Sr. has full confidence that the Office of the Inspector General will ensure a transparent, comprehensive, and unbiased review of this incident. Any loss of life is a profound tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

In accordance with departmental policy, the Bridgeport police officer(s) involved in this incident will be assigned to modified duty under the Chief’s Office pending the Inspector General’s final determination.

The Bridgeport Police Department remains committed to supporting our officers as they continue to work alongside the community, delivering professional law enforcement services and fostering public safety through fair and equitable policing.

Anyone with information pertinent to this investigation is requested to contact the Office of the Inspector General at (203) 806-1595. Further updates will be provided by the Office of the Inspector General.

Motorcyclist Hit By Car

Report of a motorcyclist hit by a car in the 200 block of North Avenue. There are no further details.

2025-03-31@5:15pm–#Bridgeport CT

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Bridgeport Structure Fire

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Bridgeport Firefighters were called to a structure fire at the Singer Building #3 at 510 Barnum Avenue. When they arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the 5th floor, and a second alarm was sounded for more resources to the scene. Fire Chief Edwards told me that firefighters were challenged with the building being set back from the road. Within an hour, the majority of the fire was knocked down, and firefighters continued to chase hot spots in the building. There were no reported injuries, although paramedics did attend to one firefighter. The fire marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

2025-03-29@6:23pm–#Bridgeport CT– #ctfire

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