Report of a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Noble ave and Ogden street. First responders are on their way and there is no further details at this time.
Bridgeport News: Pedestrian Struck
Category: Bridgeport
Refrigerant Leak Causes Hazmat Situation
Bridgeport Firefighters were called to a home in the 170 block of Hawley Avenue for a refrigerant leak from a refrigerator in the basement leaving a strong odor of ammonia according in the home. The Hazmat team and the Department of Environmental Protections were called to the scene as refrigerants can be toxic and cause poisoning if inhaled. . Refrigerants can be flammable and create an explosive atmosphere.
2024-10-14@11:06am–#Bridgeport CT
Route 8/25 Exit 5 Is Now Exit 2B??
While driving to the Fallen Heroes event in Prospect, I couldn’t help but notice a series of renamed exits along the highway. Curious about the changes, I decided to ask Senator Tony Hwang, who was also attending the event, for some insight.
Senator Hwang explained that Connecticut is transitioning its highway exit numbers to align with the mile-marker system used across the country. This update is designed to improve consistency and make it easier for drivers to navigate using GPS systems. Instead of the traditional sequential numbering, the new system will reflect the number of miles from the state border, helping drivers better understand distances and locations.
Senator Hwang acknowledged that the change is causing some confusion, but assured me that public awareness efforts are underway to ease the transition. While it may take time for everyone to adjust, he emphasized that this system is ultimately more accurate and in line with national standards.
There’s also an interesting story behind the absence of Exit 43 on the Merritt Parkway. As the tale goes, a prominent figure close to the governor at the time allegedly requested that no exit be placed near their home, which is why Exit 43 doesn’t exist. Whether fact or myth, it remains a quirky piece of Connecticut roadway history.
Today’s Vehicle Fire
Today’s Vehicle Fire is at the 100 block of Pond Street in Bridgeport. First responders are on their way, there is no further information at this time.
Bridgeport News: Crash!
Report of a motor vehicle accident on Route 8 exit 8 Southbound.
Pedestrian Struck
A pedestrian was struck at State and Middle Street according to unconfirmed reports. Attention was being paid to the dumpsters parked in the roadway.
2024-10-10@10:10am #Bridgeport CT–
Bridgeport Public Schools’ Adult Education Program Receives $110,000 Grant from Connecticut State Department of Education
Bridgeport, CT – [October 8, 2024] – Bridgeport Public Schools announced Monday that its Adult Education program has been awarded a $110,000 grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) Academic Office. This grant is part of the Program Enhancement Project for Adult Education (PEP) competition, which aims to support and enhance adult education services across the state from fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2028.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education. This funding will enable us to enhance our adult education services and provide our learners with the tools and support they need to succeed. By focusing on instructional innovation, technology integration, and career navigation, we can show our commitment to ensuring our students have brighter futures,” said Lynn Stephens, the Director of Adult Education.
The PEP Request for Proposal (RFP) was designed to increase the capacity of the state’s eligible providers to deliver essential educational and support services to adult learners in the state’s five workforce development regions. This initiative aligns with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified State Plan, which emphasizes collaboration with mandated partners, in this case The Workplace, Inc., and the alignment of core programs to implement critical elements of the plan.
The overarching goals of the WIOA legislation include:
Increasing accessibility to adult education programs and services for learners most in need
Creating a seamless transition to postsecondary education and/or training through the development of career pathways
Fostering strong, literate families to reduce the current student achievement gap
Building an educated and competitive workforce
Bridgeport Adult Education has proposed the following innovative activities for three grant priority areas:
Instructional Innovation ($30,000): The program will create a comprehensive high school transition program for Bridgeport’s 17 to 18-year-old students and English as a Second Language. (ESL) students seeking to obtain a high school diploma. This initiative will provide educational programming, community services, and workforce development. Key components include a cohort-based format, bi-weekly presentations and workshops, an embedded workforce readiness program, individual counseling and mentoring services, contextualized opportunities through field trips, and professional development for staff.
Technology Integration and Expansion of Services ($30,000) A digital literacy program will be established to enhance students’ skills and prepare them for success in the workforce or postsecondary education. Activities include developing a digital learning plan, hiring a digital navigator, providing digital literacy instruction and credentialing opportunities, and hiring a Workforce Developer to support technology skills development and job search assistance.
Priority Area 9: Transition, Career Navigation, and Support ($50,000) A semester-long course will be created to provide exposure, experience, and exploration of career pathways to enhance employability and transition skills. This initiative will include a cohort-based format, integrating career awareness curriculum, using Transfr Virtual Reality (VR) Goggles for trade skills development, establishing career pathways with local partners, purchasing EnGen licenses for career-aligned English learning, and hiring a Workforce Developer to facilitate student engagement with workforce and post-secondary opportunities.
Bridgeport Public Schools is excited about the opportunities this grant will provide to enhance adult education services and support the community’s educational and workforce development needs.
“We are incredibly proud of the Bridgeport Public Schools’ Adult Education program for securing this vital grant. This funding will significantly enhance our ability to provide essential educational services and support to adult learners in our community. By focusing on innovative instructional methods, technology integration, and career navigation, we are committed to empowering our students and helping them achieve their goals,” said Dr. Carmela Levy-David, Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools.
BRIDGEPORT PAIR ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY AND LARCENY IN TRUMBULL
Trumbull Police arrested local suspects as they attempted to flee the scene of a burglary to a van on Lindeman Drive during the early morning hours on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Reynaldo Ayala, age 23, and Nyleah Ramos, age 22, both of Berkshire Avenue, Bridgeport, were apprehended by police as they attempted to flee from police on a scooter.
At approximately 12:00 AM, Trumbull Police were called to investigate an active burglary in progress involving one of the work trucks on the business property of 30 Lindeman Drive. Arriving officers located Ayala operating a Honda scooter, with Ramos as the passenger, as they attempted to flee by driving between arriving police vehicles and the building. The collision caused Ramos to fall off the rear of the scooter, which became wedged and stuck, leading to both suspects being taken into police custody.
A witness observed the two suspects, wearing masks, enter the rear parking lot of the business riding the scooter before parking in front of one of the company’s work vans. Ayala used an object to smash the driver’s window and entered the vehicle while Ramos stood as lookout. The witness called 911 and updated Trumbull Police as he observed the events. The suspects got back on the scooter once they saw the police cruisers arrive. The company vehicle sustained a smashed driver’s door window, a punched-out driver’s door lock, and a damaged ignition. There were approximately $6,500 worth of tools and equipment inside the work van.
Investigating officers recovered a backpack from the suspects that contained various burglary tools, flashlights, and a car jack. The Honda scooter operated by Ayala was also confirmed to have been stolen from Stamford.
Ramos complained of leg pain and was transported to Bridgeport Hospital by Trumbull EMS for minor injuries. She was eventually released from the hospital and charged with Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Criminal Attempt at Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Burglary 1st Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, Criminal Attempt at Larceny 3rd Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.
Ayala was processed and charged with Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Criminal Attempt at Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Burglary 1st Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Attempt at Larceny 3rd Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Motor Vehicle. Ayala also had an active warrant for his arrest from Shelton Police Department.
Both Ramos and Ayala were each held on a $50,000 bond and are scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on October 17.
Stratford Police Arrest Bridgeport Man After Narcotics Pursuit on I-95
On October 7, 2024, the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotic, Vice, and Intelligence Unit attempted to stop a motor vehicle after observing a possible narcotics transaction in the area of Stratford Avenue. The operator refused to stop and instead engaged the detectives in a pursuit.
During the chase, the operator was seen tossing a black plastic bag from the vehicle while entering the southbound ramp to I-95 at exit 31. After a short distance on I-95, the operator eventually pulled over and stopped the vehicle. Detectives identified the driver as Andre McBride of Bridgeport.
With the assistance of K9 Vader, the black plastic bag discarded by McBride was recovered nearby and found to contain narcotics and marijuana materials. McBride was transported to police headquarters and charged with two counts of Sale of a Narcotics Substance, Illegal Sale/Manufacture of Cannabis, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Operation of a Drug Factory, Interfering with a Police Officer, Improper Stop/Brake Light, Illegal Tinted Windows, and Engaging Police in Pursuit.
McBride was issued an October 18, 2024 court date and was released from police custody after posting a $50,000 bond.
Man Shot During Carjacking
Police UPDATE: At 20:49 hrs Bridgeport ECC received calls of an aggravated assault with a firearm in the 1200 block of Wood Ave. A male victim was shot during a carjacking and transported to the hospital. This is an active investigation at this time.
A witness told me that a man was shot during a carjacking on Wood Avenue near West Jackson Avenue. There are no other details at this time.
2024-10-07@8:53pm–#Bridgeport