Pedestrian Struck at Kossuth and Jane Streets

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Kossuth and Jane Streets in Bridgeport around 9:22 p.m. Emergency crews responded to the scene. The extent of injuries has not been confirmed at this time. Police report this was a domestic situation….

2026-01-24@9:22pm — #Bridgeport CT #BridgeportNews #CTTraffic #CTAlerts #FirstResponders #doingitlocally

The Bridgeport Police arrested 2 men on Animal Cruelty charges

Bridgeport residents Benito Islesias, 72, and Rusty Rodriguez, 46, were taken into custody at around 11:45 p.m. Friday.  Rodriguez was also charged with Interfering with an Officer after he disregarded commands by the police and attempted to hide one of the three dogs from officers. 

Both men posted bond and were released. They are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on January 30th.  

Officers responded to the 400 block of Union Avenue after dispatchers received an anonymous call that dogs had been left outside in the freezing cold for a several hours.  Police found two of the dogs barking and tethered to separate dilapidated wooden shelters in the backyard. A third dog was located in the basement. There were frozen buckets of water and containers of spoiled food near the dogs. Police had to cut the restraints on the dogs to free them. Officers recorded the wind chill temperature outside to be minus-11 degrees Fahrenheit when they arrived. 

The Bridgeport Police Department’s Animal Control Division responded to Union Avenue to assist with the rescue of the dogs.

Two of the dogs found Friday night were Pitbulls. The third was a Labrador/Pitbull mix. They ranged in age from 5 to 10 years old. The dogs are currently under the care of the Animal Control Division and are reported to be doing well.

The Bridgeport Police responded to the same address on Union Avenue for Animal Cruelty calls in both 2018 and 2023. Benito Islesias was also charged with Animal Cruelty during the 2018 incident.

Due to the impending snow storm, Mayor Tyszka has order a full parking ban for the City of Ansonia.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday January 24, 2026 until 11:00 p.m. Monday January 26, 2026 no cars are allowed to park on city streets. Cars parked on the street during this time will be towed at the owner’s expense. During the storm, all city parking lots including Nolan Field and Board of Education lots will be open for resident parking. Vehicles parked in the school lots should be removed by Monday night as the roads are cleared.

GOVERNOR LAMONT ADVISES MOTORISTS TO AVOID TRAVEL SUNDAY DUE TO MAJOR WINTER STORM

Motorists Reminded To Avoid Crowding Snowplows and Take Extra Precautions During Hazardous Weather Conditions

WATCH: Governor Lamont’s 12PM news briefing today

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is strongly encouraging motorists to avoid travel on Connecticut roads on Sunday, January 25, 2026, due to a major winter storm that is anticipated to impact the state throughout the day and leading into the following morning. Anyone who must travel is urged to drive cautiously and allow snow removal crews the space needed to safely clear the roads.

Governor Lamont and the state’s emergency management and transportation teams are closely monitoring weather forecasts ahead of the storm. The latest forecast indicates a significant amount of snow will impact the entire state that could result in the largest snowfall totals Connecticut has received from a single storm in more than a decade. As of noon today, models are showing the state is anticipated to receive anywhere from 14” to 20” of snow, with the heaviest periods beginning on Sunday morning and continuing into the early hours of Monday morning. The storm is still two days away so changes to the forecast should be expected.

“By noon on Sunday we are expecting snowfall to come down at very fast rates and continuing throughout the afternoon and evening and into the early hours of Monday morning, significantly impacting roads and creating whiteout conditions at times,” Governor Lamont said. “We are strongly urging everyone to make plans in advance to avoid all unnecessary travel on Sunday. Our state snowplow fleet is prepared to clear the roads, and the fewer cars are out there the quicker and safer the snowplow crews can do their work.”

“The best way to be safe in a snowstorm is to stay home and allow our snowplow operators to do their job safely and efficiently,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “If you have no other choice than to travel, please slow down, maintain extra distance between vehicles, and never crowd snowplows. Snowplows have limited visibility and need room to operate safely, especially in heavy snowfall.”

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 snowplows and specialized equipment ready for deployment statewide. Crews will work around the clock as needed to clear snow and ice and restore safe travel conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023 there were 320 fatal traffic crashes and more than 22,000 injuries in crashes that occurred when there was snow and/or sleet conditions at the time of the crash.

Tips for winter driving and staying clear of snowplows

The Connecticut Department of Transportation advises motorists to use the following tips whenever approaching a snowplow:

  • Give plows space: Stay well behind plows and avoid their blind spots, especially in the rear corners.
  • Never pass in active plowing zones: Passing snowplows can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions with thrown snow or the plow itself.
  • Be patient: Plows often drive slowly to clear snow effectively; crowding or tailgating can endanger both drivers and operators.

To ensure safety during icy and snowy conditions, the public is encouraged to:

  • Delay travel if possible: Staying home during the storm is the safest option.
  • Slow down: Reduce speed and allow extra time to stop on snow or ice-covered roads.
  • Leave extra space: Increase following distance between vehicles, especially behind snowplows.
  • Be vehicle-ready: Keep fuel tanks full or electric vehicles charged and ensure tires and lights are in good condition.
  • Pack emergency supplies: Carry blankets, water, food, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a first aid kit.
  • Stay informed: Monitor forecasts and check real-time traffic and road conditions at CTroads.org before traveling.
  • Never drive impaired: Winter conditions demand full attention and alertness at all times.

For more information about winter driving safety and snowplow awareness, visit nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.

For updates on incidents that may be impacting state roads, visit CTtroads.org.

For those who utilize public transportation, visit the transit operator’s website for updates on any potential delays or cancelations.

To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

Pursuit Ends In Fight With Troopers

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State Police ended a pursuit that started on I-95 near exit 31 and ended on Commerce Drive in Fairfield. It is not known what he is wanted for. According to unconfirmed reports, the suspect fought with police, resulting in the suspect being tased. He was transported to the hospital. There are no reports at this time of any trooper injuries.2026-01-23@9:48pm– #Fairfield CT

Mayor Ganim Declares Snow Emergency, Parking Ban for City of Bridgeport Beginning at 6:00 AM Saturday, January 24th to 11:59 PM Monday, January 26th

City Also Activates Cold Weather Protocol from January 23, 2026, to 12:00 PM Wednesday, January 27, 2026; Storm Predicted to Bring 12-18” of Heavy Snow

Bridgeport, CT – In anticipation of the pending snowfall due to impact, Mayor Ganim is declaring a snow emergency for the city to take effect at 6:00 AM Saturday, January 24th to 11:59 PM Monday, January 26th. A cold weather protocol will also be in effect from 12:00 PM Friday, January 23rd to 12:00 PM Wednesday, January 28th. During a snow emergency, residents must move their cars off posted snow emergency streets and heed alternate side of street parking on all other streets. Snow emergency streets are marked with white signs with red lettering. A list of snow streets can be found on the City’s website bridgeportct.gov/snow.

Forecast
The City of Bridgeport anticipates snow will begin Sunday morning into Monday evening. The storm predicted to bring approximately 12-18” of heavy snow, with icy conditions that could occur. Temperatures over the weekend are expected to fall into single digits with potential heavy snow during Sunday afternoon.

For more information, visit bridgeportct.gov/snow.

Emergency Operation Plan is in effect with enforcement of No Parking on Snow Emergency streets to ensure that plows and public safety crews can clear the streets. On all other non-emergency streets, residents must heed alternate side of the street parking: January 24th is an EVEN number day; therefore, residents should park on the side of the street with addresses that are EVEN numbers. After the snow emergency operation plan goes into effect at 4:00 PM on January 24, 2026, vehicles that are not following parking restrictions will be subject to fines and towing. The easiest way to tell the ODD- or EVEN-numbered side of a street is to check the street address of buildings. If the address ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) then that building is on the ODD side of the street. If the address ends in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) then that building is on the EVEN side of the street.

Snow Emergency Parking Lots – In the event that parking is not available for residents on non-emergency streets, Snow Emergency Parking Lots will be open to the public for parking which include all school parking lots in their district and the Health Department parking lot at 752 East Main Street.

Parking in the school and City parking lots listed will be permitted and must be removed by Monday, January 26, at 11:59pm.

Geraldine Johnson School
Jettie S. Tisdale School
Hall School
Central High School
Black Rock School
Old Bassick High School
Bridgeport City Hall Visitor Lot – 45 Lyon Terrace
Fairfield Ave & Jetland Street Municipal lot
North Branch Library
Nichols Street and East Main Street lot
Park and Railroad Ave under viaduct or underpass

Vehicles Towed for Public Safety Enforcement – Owners of vehicles that do not comply with the parking ban on emergency streets or alternate side of street parking will have their vehicle towed and incur a minimum $130 towing fee.

Sidewalks/ Driveways – Commercial and/or residential owners who push snow into the streets or do not clear snow on the sidewalks in front of their buildings are subject to a $100.00 fine per ordinance for each incident.

Adopt a Hydrant – Residents are encouraged to clear snow and make a path to a fire hydrant in their neighborhood to assist the Bridgeport Fire Department in case of fire or another emergency. Residents should shovel at least 3 feet around the hydrant, if possible.

Plowing – Bridgeport Streets within the City are prioritized to clear major travel routes first. This allows public safety vehicles access to most parts of the City. The initial plowing activities also provide most residents a clearing within two to three blocks of their homes and most destinations in the City. Other factors include locations of schools, hospitals, major commercial centers, and other facilities with large public interest. For snow plowing issues, call 203-579-3800. Any plowing issues or concerns can be reported using the mobile application Bridgeport 311.

Operation Care – To help protect the homeless population from unsafe temperatures, please call 2-1-1. The homeless Outreach Team has begun contacting the homeless population to connect them to shelters such as Prospect House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and Alpha Community. For any homeless issues, you can show up at 650 Park Avenue for assistance.

Public Facilities

Transfer Station will be closed on January 24th.
Parks will be closed from January 24th-27th.
Recycling is cancelled from January 26th-January 30th.
For those whose normal weekly sanitation pickup is on a Monday or Tuesday, your pickup will occur on Wednesday, January 28th.
For those whose normal weekly sanitation pickup is on a Wednesday or Thursday, your pickup will occur on Thursday, January 29th.

Fire Department Safety Message – The Bridgeport Fire Department is encouraging all residents to refrain from using stoves or ovens as a primary heat source due to the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, burns and worsening indoor quality with pollutants. Residents should always run portable generators outdoors, far from doorways, windows, and vents, to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents should always follow manufacturers’ instructions for generator usage.

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)

GBT Station – 710 Water Street, Mon-Fri (9am-9pm)

Bridgeport Public Library Branches:
Main Branch – 925 Broad Street
Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue
Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue
North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue
Beardsley Branch – 2536 East Main Street
East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for renovations

South End Community Center – Overnight Stay/Case Worker Support
650 Park Ave – Open 24/7

Snow Related Emergencies

During the storm, residents may call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center hotline at 203-579-3800 with any snow-related emergencies or email pictures to wsfeb8-92025@room.veoci.com.

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.

Immediate danger to life and health issues call 9-1-1.

For the latest updates and information about the snowstorm, residents are asked to check Bridgeportct.gov/snow, local media and follow the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center on X and Facebook.

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