Category: Bridgeport

As a result of the criminal investigation led by the Bridgeport Police Department’s Homicide Squad, Detective Jeffrey Holtz, under the direction of Sergeant Pasquale Feola, was able to secure an arrest warrant for 34-year-old Terence Jermaine Gallimore charging him for the August 17, 2024, murder of 28-year-old Brandaja Azjree Florence Winston and the non-fatal shooting of a 30-year-old Bridgeport man. 

Gallimore is currently in DOC custody on unrelated domestic violence charges.  A habeas corpus petition was filed with the court on December 19, 2024.  Gallimore was brought before the court this morning and served with an outstanding warrant charging him for his direct involvement in the murder of Brandaja Winston and the non-fatal shooting of another male victim who will remain unidentified at this time.

The arrest warrant charges Terence Gallimore with Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Assault in the 1^st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Possession of Weapons in a Motor Vehicle, and Illegal Possession of an Assault Weapon.  Bond is court set at 2 million dollars. 30% of the bail amount must be deposited in cash directly with the court in order to secure a release.  Gallimore is scheduled to be arraigned at Bridgeport Superior Court this morning.

The Office of the States Attorney – Bridgeport Judicial District continues to work closely with our Police Department to provide legal advice, prosecute criminal cases, and uphold justice within the community we both serve.  The strong partnership we have with State’s Attorney Joseph Corradino and his team is closely linked to the high clearance rate for homicides in our jurisdiction and the successful prosecution of violent criminals.   

Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim and the Office of Emergency Management advise all residents to be cautious from 12:00 PM of December 21^st through 12:00 PM of December 24^th as a period of intense cold will be in the Bridgeport area resulting in very low wind chill values that are forecasted to be below zero. Residents may utilize the below checklist as a guide to safety during cold weather:

• Check heating devices.
• Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.
• If using a generator, please follow manufacturing instructions given with packaging and do not use indoors.
• Ensure that pets are brought inside.
• Watch for ice on pipes and ground cover.
• Bundle up if you must go outside.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family members during colder temperatures.

Mayor Ganim stated, “With the impending winter weather, I would like to reassure Bridgeport residents that everyone’s safety is paramount. I encourage residents to take necessary steps to stay warm during the drop in temperatures while checking on their loved ones and neighbors as we prepare for the next few winter months.”

Warming Centers

Senior Centers (Open only weekdays):

• Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (9:00am-3:00pm)

• East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)

• Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)

• North End Bethany Senior Center – 20 Thorme Street, (9:00am- 3:00pm)

GBT Station

• 710 Water Street, Mon- Fri (9am-9pm)

Bridgeport Public Library Branches:

• Main Branch – 925 Broad Street, Mon & Tues (10:00am-6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (12:00pm-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon & Tues (10:00am-6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (10:00am-6:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue, Mon & Tues (10:00am-6:00pm), Wed & Thurs (11:00am- 7:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).

• North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue, Mon, Tues & Wed (10:00am-6:00pm), Thurs (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

• Beardsley Branch – 2536 East Main Street, Mon (10:00am-6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm-8:00pm) Wed (10:00am-8:00pm) Thurs (10:00am-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).

• East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for renovations

South End Community Center- Overnight Stay/Case Worker Support

• 650 Park Ave– Open 24/7
• Limited overnight capacity

Snow Related Emergencies

During snowstorms, resident may call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center hotline at 203-579-3800 with any snow emergencies. If residents suffer a loss of electricity, call the United Illuminating customer hotline at 800-722-5584. Both numbers are for 24-hour emergency service. Any immediate danger to life and health issues, please call 9-1-1.

For the latest updates and information about the snowstorm, residents are asked to check and follow the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center X account (formally known as Twitter) and Facebook.

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18-year-old Dylan Cruz-Tillery of Queens NY has turned himself in for an extraditable warrant out of Bridgeport Connecticut for the October 29, 2024, shooting that occurred inside the Marina Dining Hall at the University of Bridgeport.

The shooting injured one juvenile victim who was treated at an area hospital for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm. This was a targeted shooting where Cruz-Tillery was familiar with the victim and had prior communication with him via social media.

On the date of the incident, the shooting created an immediate lockdown at the university with a large security and police response. A firearm and several other items of evidentiary value were located, secured, and ultimately processed by the Bridgeport Police Department’s Major Crime Unit. The lockdown was lifted early the following morning.

Dylan Cruz-Tillery’s warrant is for Assault in the 1st Degree and Carrying a Pistol without a Permit. The bond was set at $250,000 according to a previous press release.

Bridgeport authorities are investigating two separate morning incidents of vehicle vandalism that occurred just a short drive apart. On December 17, at approximately 7:38 a.m., security at the University of Bridgeport reported that 5-6 vehicles had their windows smashed in an early morning act of vandalism. Then, on December 19 at around 6:08 a.m., multiple vehicles were broken into on the 50 block of Middle Street. The timing and proximity of these incidents, though more than 24 hours apart, have raised concerns among local residents.

While it remains unclear if the two incidents are connected, the Bridgeport Police Department is actively investigating both cases. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, such as removing personal and valuable items from their vehicles, to deter theft and vandalism.

State Police radio indicated that there were shots fired on Stratford Avenue. A car fled the scene with misused plates on it but no description of the car. No reported gunshot victims at this time.

2024-12-18@11:11pm–#Bridgeport CT

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On December 12, 2024, officers spotted a black BMW driving recklessly throughout various city streets at different times. The vehicle was observed in the North End, the East Side, and later back in the North End. Despite numerous attempts to conduct motor vehicle stops, these efforts were unsuccessful. Subsequently, dispatch reported that a vehicle had struck several cars on Main Street and Fairview Avenue, and a male suspect was fleeing the scene. Shortly thereafter, the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Jose Guillermo Rosado of Waterbury, was spotted on Westfield Avenue and taken into custody by Officer Sorie Kamara.

An inventory search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed significant evidence. Officers found 1,325 wax folds containing a white powder substance, which tested positive for fentanyl. Additionally, 54 grams of a white rock-like substance tested positive for crack cocaine. The search also uncovered 10.5 grams of loose fentanyl rocks. The total estimated street value of the narcotics was approximately $18,000. Officers also found $258 in cash, along with a scale and sandwich bags, indicating intent to distribute.

The suspect now faces multiple charges, including engaging police in pursuit, evading responsibility, failure to obey a stop sign, reckless driving, having unreadable license plates, interfering with an officer, possession with intent to sell narcotics, and operating a drug factory.

The bond for Jose Guillermo Rosado has been set at $150,000.

On December 14, 2024, Officer Fischetti conducted a proactive walkthrough of the Charles F. Greene housing complex and observed several males loitering near Building 5. Officer Fischetti and Officer Lewin engaged with the group to ensure they were neither trespassing nor involved in the sale of narcotics. During this interaction, the males complained about another individual, Gregory Thompson, a 21-year-old who does not reside in the complex. While speaking with Thompson, he attempted to retrieve his wallet, at which point Officer Fischetti noticed a baggie of narcotics. Officer Fischetti attempted to secure Thompson’s arm, but Thompson fled, leading to a brief foot pursuit. Officers successfully detained Thompson and placed him under arrest. Upon searching Thompson, Officer Fischetti discovered 18.7 grams of crack/cocaine, which tested positive for fentanyl, $94.00 in mixed denomination cash, two cellphones, and a spring-loaded pocket-style knife.

Thompson was charged with criminal trespass, interfering with an officer, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and carrying a dangerous weapon. His bond was set at $25,000.00.

Report of a motor vehicle accident on I-95 by exit 29 Southbound. This appears to be a multi car crash and the on ramp is being shut down at this time.

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A year-long investigation by the Stratford Police Department, in coordination with state and federal agencies, has resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of significant amounts of illegal cannabis products from the S&T Smoke and Snack Shop at 562 Honeyspot Road.

Between December 2023 and January 2024, police conducted four undercover buys at the shop, leading to the seizure of illegal cannabis, THC gummies, and vape products. Employee Brion Henry Jr. was arrested and charged with four counts of Illegal Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis.

Despite this action, illegal sales continued. In May 2024, a Confidential Source under 21 purchased a vape product, and employee Scott Marsillo was found with bulk marijuana packaged for street sale. Marsillo was charged with Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis, while managing partner Raian Baniyounes was charged with multiple counts of Sale of Over One Kilogram of Cannabis.

In December 2024, another compliance check led to the arrest of employee Amilca Miller for selling a vape product to a minor and operating a drug factory. Miller was released on a $1,000 bond and faces additional charges of Possession with Intent to Sell Cannabis.

This investigation was a joint effort between the Stratford Police Department, the Bridgeport DEA Task Force, and Connecticut state agencies. Their collaboration was key to addressing illegal activity at the S&T Smoke and Snack Shop.