Category: Bridgeport

Report of a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Fairview Ave and Wayne Street in Bridgeport. First responders are on their way at this time.

BRIDGEPORT—The Kline Memorial Auditorium, a historic theater serving the community since its opening in 1940, has begun a significant construction project—the first of its kind in the venue’s 84-year history. Executive Director Lawrence Caso shared insights into the long-awaited renovations, set to enhance both accessibility and functionality for patrons and staff alike.

With approximately 70,000 visitors each year, the Kline Memorial is widely celebrated, but it has long faced limitations in accessibility. The new construction will address this by installing the venue’s first elevator, allowing patrons with mobility challenges to reach the mezzanine and enjoy the art gallery—a space that showcases rotating exhibits by local artists.

The project also includes the addition of a ground-floor wheelchair-accessible restroom, a conference room, and three new offices. The elevator shaft, located along one side of the building, will provide visitors with an enhanced view and easier access to the theater’s upper level, opening up experiences many have previously missed.

“This elevator has been our most requested addition,” Caso explained. “Many patrons miss the chance to view the art gallery upstairs because they can’t make it up the stairs. Now, they’ll finally be able to take the elevator up and enjoy all we have to offer.”

In 2016, the theater received a state grant that funded technical upgrades, including new lighting, an upgraded audio system, and the theater’s first video projection system. Following the completion of these upgrades in 2017, this final construction phase is set to complete the grant’s goals, transforming the Kline Memorial Auditorium into a more accessible and welcoming community space for all.

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On October 23, 2024, at approximately 10:59 PM, Bridgeport Police officers stopped a gray Nissan Altima at the intersection of Maple Street and Kossuth Street. The vehicle had been blocking the roadway in an area known for recent violent crimes and gunfire.

During the investigation, officers discovered that a passenger, Kavon Roberts, was carrying a silver Smith & Wesson .40 caliber firearm in his waistband. Roberts attempted to flee on foot, leading officers on a chase into a backyard on Beach Street. While trying to prevent Roberts from jumping over a fence, one officer was bitten on the hand. Roberts was eventually found hiding under some stairs in a neighboring yard. A search revealed 10 wax paper folds in his pocket, which tested positive for fentanyl.

Roberts was charged with several offenses, including failure to wear a seatbelt, interfering with an officer, assaulting a public safety officer, criminal possession of a firearm (two counts), illegal purchase of a high-capacity magazine, and possession of a controlled substance.

The firearm recovered was a Smith & Wesson SD40VE with a 13-round magazine and 14 live .40 caliber rounds. Roberts’ bond was set at $150,000.

The Bridgeport Police Patrol Division remains committed to protecting the community and removing illegal firearms from the streets.

Today’s vehicle fire is at Captain’s Cove on Bostwick. Fire radio reports say the car was fully engulfed in flames. The fire marshal has been called to investigate the cause of the fire.

2024-10-24@9:56pm–#Bridgeport CT

Report of a head-on crash at the intersection of Bishop Ave and Barnum Ave. First responders are on scene reporting 3 being transported for their injuries.

Firefighters on the scene reported high carbon monoxide levels at Court B at Success Village. Turned out to be a faulty gas stove in one of the apartments which is now disconnected.

2024-10-22@6:40pm–#Bridgeport CT

Bridgeport Hospital and the Bridgeport Fire Department are teaming up this October for Fire Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of fire safety and burn prevention in the community. As the state’s only burn center, Bridgeport Hospital sees firsthand the devastating impact burns can have on both patients and their families.

Hospital President Ann Diamond highlighted the partnership with the Bridgeport Fire Department to raise awareness about fire safety measures. Chief Lance Edwards of the Bridgeport Fire Department echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of the hospital’s burn center, which has been serving the community since an enhancement project in 2011, spearheaded by retired Assistant Chief Sal Emmanuel and his wife, a burn center nurse.

The fire department has also been proactive with its smoke alarm program, which began in 2005. To date, over 90,000 smoke alarms have been installed in single and two-family homes across Bridgeport, contributing to the prevention of injuries, property damage, and the saving of lives. The program is available to all city residents who meet the eligibility criteria.

In addition to this, the fire department is introducing a 27-foot fire prevention trailer, which will be used to educate the community—especially children—about fire safety. The trailer will simulate kitchen fires and other common fire hazards, providing hands-on learning opportunities to reinforce the importance of working smoke alarms.

Dr. Alisa Sabata Mall, director of the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, added that burn injuries can be life-changing, even in minor cases. As the holiday season approaches, she warned about the heightened risk of burn injuries from cooking, fire pits, and home oxygen use. She offered practical tips on how to prevent these injuries and urged anyone with significant burns to seek medical attention.

This collaboration between Bridgeport Hospital and the Bridgeport Fire Department serves as a vital effort in promoting fire safety and protecting the well-being of the community.

Pequonnick near Park Avenue is closed for an accident investigation involving a pedestrian

2024-10-21@9:43pm–#Bridgeport CT

Bridgeport first responders successfully rescued a 35-year-old construction worker who was trapped in the basement of a building under construction on the 1000 block of Stratford Avenue. The worker became stuck after part of the building’s stone foundation collapsed, burying him up to his knees in debris.

Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards stated that the collapse occurred around 9:10 a.m., while the worker was believed to be performing work in the basement. After a secondary collapse, first responders had to shore up the unstable structure before continuing the rescue.

“Our team worked tirelessly to ensure the worker was removed safely despite the difficult conditions,” said Chief Edwards. “The worker was standing and buried up to his knees when we found him, and it took over two hours of careful work to get him out.”

The worker was transported to the hospital, and while he sustained injuries to his lower extremities, they are not considered life-threatening. Investigations by OSHA and local officials are ongoing to determine the cause of the collapse and ensure the site’s safety.

Mayor Joe Ganim was present at the scene and praised the efforts of the Bridgeport Fire Department and other first responders. “Their quick response and technical expertise turned what could have been a disaster into a successful rescue,” he said.

The building, which had previously been damaged by fire five years ago, remains under investigation. No one else was inside the structure at the time of the collapse. Further updates will be provided as investigations continue.