Bridgeport firefighters faced a challenging afternoon as they responded to two simultaneous fires on Friday. Crews were already battling a fire on James Street when another alarm came in for a blaze at a gas station on the corner of Noble Avenue and Boston Avenue.
Arriving at the gas station, firefighters encountered multiple explosions, believed to be caused by propane tanks on the property.
Chief Edwards reported that the gas station fire was handled as a defensive operation to ensure the safety of all personnel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the firefighters battling the intense flames and explosions.
The situation required additional resources, prompting mutual aid from neighboring Stratford and Fairfield fire departments to assist in managing the two fires.
Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport Police Department swiftly apprehended a city man for attempted murder just minutes after a woman was shot in the head on the East Side late Wednesday afternoon.
At approximately 3:45 p.m. on December 4, Bridgeport Police Task Force officers arrested 42-year-old Jerome Smith outside his residence on East Washington Avenue. The arrest followed a report from a 39-year-old female victim who was shot several blocks away near Arctic Street. Despite suffering a gunshot wound, the victim provided a detailed description of the shooter to responding patrol officers, leading to Smith’s immediate capture.
During the arrest, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and narcotics from Smith. The Patrol Division and Detective Bureau also collected evidence at the crime scene on Arctic Street.
The victim was transported to Bridgeport Hospital, where she is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. In a hospital interview with detectives, the victim disclosed a history of multiple altercations with Smith in the days leading up to the shooting.
Jerome Smith, a convicted felon with a criminal record dating back to 2014, has a history of firearm and narcotics-related offenses in Bridgeport.
On December 4, Smith was charged with Attempted Murder and Assault in the First Degree, along with multiple firearms and narcotics offenses. His bond was set at $500,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, December 5.
The Bridgeport Police Department commends the swift response and collaboration of the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and Task Force officers, ensuring the safety of the community and a prompt resolution to this incident.
Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the Bridgeport Police Department at (203) 576-TIPS.
Bridgeport firefighters responded to a rubbish fire at a homeless encampment near Railroad Avenue and South Avenue. The fire, which started inside a large drainage pipe used for shelter, was quickly extinguished. Social services were on-site to assist those displaced, but the local shelter was already at capacity. The status of the individuals affected remains unknown.
On December 2, 2024, during a routine patrol near Jane Street and Brooks Street, Officer Fischetti stopped a black BMW 535xi for having heavily tinted windows and an expired registration. Officer Thomas assisted with the stop, leading to the arrest of passenger Brandon Martinez. A search revealed 19.2 grams of fentanyl, 0.80 pounds of marijuana, empty packaging materials, and $467 in cash.
Martinez was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, with bond set at $70,000.
Firefighters were called to the 4400 block of Main Street to investigate a reported power outage in the area. People reported being trapped in elevators at the office park.
A woman was injured with non-life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle on North Avenue at Lexington Avenue according to unconfirmed radio reports.
