On 08/30/2024, the Bridgeport Police Department successfully apprehended Ismael Padilla, a suspect with a lengthy criminal record, wanted in connection with multiple burglary warrants in both Bridgeport and Fairfield. Padilla’s arrest marks a significant development in ongoing efforts by Det. Palatiello to address a series of burglaries that have affected the local community.
Through advanced law enforcement investigative techniques, The Bridgeport Police Department identified Padilla as the suspect in several burglaries across the City of Bridgeport. His arrest comes after a swift and professional response by patrol officers to an active burglary in progress. The officers’ quick actions and dedication to public safety led directly to Padilla’s apprehension.
The investigation remains ongoing. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Padilla is charged with multiple counts of Burglary, larceny, and criminal mischief with bonds totaling $ 160,000. Additional charges are expected.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the case Detective Albert Palatiello.
On August 26, the Bridgeport Police Regional Task Force received a tip about 25-year-old Steven Ramos, who was believed to be carrying an illegal firearm. Officers located Ramos driving near Park Avenue and South Avenue and conducted a traffic stop. Ramos, a convicted felon, was found with a loaded Glock 9mm handgun equipped with an extended 24-round magazine hidden in his waistband. During a search following his arrest, officers also discovered 3.85 grams of crack cocaine and 2.97 grams of fentanyl on him.
Ramos was arrested and charged with several offenses, including illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a high-capacity magazine, illegal transfer of a firearm, and possession of controlled substances.
Bridgeport, CT –The Bridgeport Public Facilities Department has announced that construction will begin for the East Washington Avenue Bridge Deck on September 5, 2024. The bridge was previously fixed in place by the City making the bridge inoperable after the water channel below the bridge was deemed non-navigable by the US Coast Guard. The scope of the project is to only repair the concrete decking portion of the bridge while removing one inch of the existing deck. The project will also consist of the installation of a waterproofing membrane and pave one inch of high-strength asphalt, approved by the Department of Transportation. The project is expected to take 2-3 weeks, weather dependent, with a project end date of September 26, 2024.
During the completion of the project, residents are encouraged to expect traffic delays as the project will be constructed in two increments, leaving one side of the bridge closed for traffic and the other side of the bridge open to two-way traffic. Residents are also encouraged to pay close attention to police officers that are present at the time of the project, as police presence will be directing traffic throughout this time.
At approximately 3:45pm the Bridgeport Fire Department was dispatched to a water emergency in the area of Long Beach (Stratford). Bridgeport Fireboat 233 arrived to find a 32-foot vessel taking on water. Seven persons were found to be onboard the vessel. 5 were removed to the Fireboat, while 2 remained onboard the original vessel to assist Seatow with its towing operations. All returned to the public safety dock in Bridgeport and no injuries were reported.
On 08/28/2024 at approximately 11:39 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop G in Bridgeport responded to I-95 Southbound in the area of Exit 17 in Westport for a disabled tractor trailer in a hazardous location in the median portion of the highway.
Prior to reaching the tractor trailer, the trooper was advised that the tractor trailer operator was observed leaving the scene on an electric scooter, crossed the three travel lanes of the highway, and was last seen driving the electric scooter southbound in the right shoulder.
Upon locating the tractor trailer operator, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren and the operator of the scooter complied and came to a stop in the right shoulder. Once stopped, the Trooper positively identified the male operator as James Wesley Aldridge, DOB 04/21/1989, of Washington, D.C..
During their interactions, Aldridge became hostile and uncooperative toward the Trooper, throwing his scooter to the ground and advancing toward the Trooper in an aggressive manner. The Trooper issued multiple directives for Aldridge to sit down, but Aldridge ignored the Troopers instructions.
In response, the Trooper prepared to deploy their State Police canine partner, K-9 Gatti, for possible apprehension. Aldridge again failed to comply with verbal directives, retrieved his scooter and began to drive away. At this time, the Trooper released K-9 Gatti to apprehend Aldridge, however Aldridge accelerated at such a high rate of speed that K-9 Gatti was unable to catch up.
The Trooper and K9 returned to their cruiser and attempted to locate Aldridge. Utilizing DOT highway cameras in the area, Troop G dispatch personnel observed Aldridge exiting the highway at the Exit 17 off-ramp. Two additional responding Troopers posted at the end of the Exit 17 off-ramp and intercepted Aldridge shortly thereafter.
Aldridge began to actively fight with Troopers and physically resisted Troopers’ efforts to secure him in handcuffs. The initial responding Trooper arrived on scene and observed Aldridge actively fighting the other Troopers.
The Trooper again issued multiple verbal directives to Aldridge, who did not comply. In response, the Trooper deployed K-9 Gatti to conduct a controlled apprehension, resulting in Aldridge sustaining a bite to his right thigh.
Aldridge then attempted to assault and choke K9 Gatti, but was unsuccessful as Troopers quickly freed K-9 Gatti from Aldridge’s hold.
With the assistance of Westport Officers, Troopers were able to gain control of Aldridge. After being secured in handcuffs, EMS was requested. Aldridge continued to display aggressive and combative behavior, to include spitting at investigators, and was subsequently transported to an area hospital for evaluation.
Troopers at the scene reported minor injuries as a result of their efforts to secure Aldridge; K-9 Gatti did not sustain injuries.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Aldridge was the subject of an active extraditable arrest warrant, held by the Grain Valley Police Department in Grain Valley, Missouri, in connection with a felony charge of Harassment in the First Degree. Additionally, it was learned that the active arrest warrant was approved for nationwide extradition.
Based upon this information detailed above, Aldridge was taken into state police custody.
After being evaluated and released from the hospital, Aldridge was transported to the Bridgeport Correctional Center, where he was processed and charged with the following violations, under two separate incidents:
C.G.S. 54-170 – Fugitive from Justice Without a Warrant
For the above charge, Aldridge was held on a $250,000 bond and scheduled for arraignment at Stamford Superior Court, on 08/29/2024.
State Police additionally charged Aldridge with the following violations:
C.G.S. 53a-167c – Assault on a Public Safety Officer (six counts)
C.G.S. 53-247 – Cruelty to Animals (two counts)
C.G.S. 53a-167a – Interfering with an Officer
C.G.S. 53-182 – Reckless Use of a Highway by a Pedestrian
C.G.S. 14-251 – Improper Parking
C.G.S. 14-12(a)* – Operating/Parking an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
Aldridge was held on a $100,000 bond in connection with these charges and is scheduled for arraignment at Stamford Superior Court, on 08/29/2024.
Bridgeport Fire Department said in a statement that they were dispatched at 8:20 pm to a structure fire at 48 Alpine St. Heavy fire was encountered on all 3 floors of a 2 ½ story wood frame. The fire was placed under control at 11:35 pm after an extensive overhaul of the building. No civilian injuries were reported at this time, and one firefighter was transported to the hospital for evaluation for non-life-threatening injuries. Red Cross is relocating 2 adults and 3 children. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire.
