DoingItLocal

2021-07-07@12:37pm–#Bridgeport CT– Report of a child on a bicycle has been hit by a car on High Ridge Drive. There are no further details.

This news report is made possible by:

On July 5, 2021, at approximately 11:11 p.m. the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center received a report of a male party and his dog were shot in the 600 block of Trumbull Ave.  The victim, a 25-year-old Bridgeport man, was shot while lying in bed.  He was transported to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.  The pet dog was transported to an area vet by the victims’ family (condition unknown).

B.P.D. detectives responded to the hospital and crime scene. 

During this incident at least 3 parked vehicles were struck by gunfire within the Trumbull Gardens Housing Complex and bullet projectiles entered at least 2 occupied apartments.   

A large number of shell casings were found at the scene.  The crime scene was photographed, evidence was collected, and interviews were conducted. 

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact the case officer, Detective Elizabeth Santora, at 203-581-5231 or utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.

This press release was made possible by:

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced that he has signed into law a bill that will allow college student-athletes in Connecticut to be compensated for their name and likeness by engaging in paid advertisements, something that is now forbidden by the NCAA.

A provision included in Public Act 21-132, which the governor signed today, permits college athletes in Connecticut to earn compensation through an endorsement contract or employment, and they can hire the legal or professional representation of an attorney or sports agent. It takes effect September 1, 2021.

“For decades, student-athletes have been unfairly prevented from being compensated for use of their own image, while other organizations have made billions from the performance of these college students,” Governor Lamont said. “I’m glad to have signed this bill into law and add Connecticut to the growing list of states that say student-athletes should be able to be compensated for their talents.”

This press release was made possible by:

2021-07-06@7:47pm–#Bridgeport CT– #cttraffic– A car on it’s side I-95 southbound near exit 27A left lane and left shoulder. No word of any injuries.

Police UPDATE:

On July 6, 2021 at approximately 1912 hours Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center received a Call for Service # 2100055962 for a report of a Car vs Pedestrian Evading crash at the 1150 block of East Main Street.

A pedestrian identified as William Rodriguez Cruz DOB 11/1/1960 of Bridgeport was crossing the street at the 1150 block of East Main St when he was struck by a dark colored SUV traveling at a high rate of speed south on East Main Street. The vehicle then continued on East Main St evading the crash.

The Bridgeport Fire Department and AMR responded to the scene. The pedestrian William Rodriguez Cruz sustained numerous severe injuries and was transported to Bridgeport Hospital. Mr. Rodriguez Cruz sustained life threatening internal injuries, was currently in surgery at time of report and remains in critical condition.

The Bridgeport Police Crash Investigation Team responded to the scene. Bridgeport Police Traffic Division Officer Ruffin is leading the Investigation for the crash. Anyone with further information regarding the crash is asked to contact the Bridgeport police Traffic Division at 203-576-7640.   

2021-07-06@7:13pm–#Bridgeport CT– Report of a pedestrian being hit by a car in the 1100 block of East Main Street.

This news report is made possible by:

2021-07-06@5:09pm–#Fairfield CT– A downed tree is blocking traffic on Brookside Road. Department of Public Works requested to the scene to remove the tree.

This news report is made possible by:

2021-07-06@4:29pm–#Southport CT– A River Street resident is reporting to police that their home was entered and gone through within the last hour while they were gone.

This news report is made possible by:

2021-07-06@2:58pm–#Fairfield CT– Fairfield Police are taking a report from Chris who has video at Fairfield Motor Works on Berwick Road of someone taking picture of their cars. The law says if you or your property can be seen from the public right-away you are not entitled to privacy. Bring them in or hide them from public view!

This news report is made possible by:

Amicus Brief Filed in Case of New York Business Suing to Refuse to Offer Wedding Photography Services to LGBTQ+ Couples

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of the constitutionality of New York’s anti-discrimination law.

The briefwas filed with the United States District Court for the Western District of New York in the case of Emilee Carpenter, LLC v. James. The case was brought by a photography business refusing to offer its services to same-sex couples. Specifically, the plaintiffs, Emilee Carpenter and her business Emilee Carpenter LLC, are seeking to post an online notice stating that their services are not for LGBTQ+ couples. Plaintiffs claim New York’s anti-discrimination law violates their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and exercise of religion. Today’s brief supports New York’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit and its opposition of the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction.

“Refusing to serve someone because of who they love is morally reprehensible and flies in the face of New York’s anti-discrimination laws,” Attorney General Tong said. “The First Amendment does not protect those who chose to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. We stand with our partners in New York and the LGBTQ+ community.”

In the brief, the attorneys general argue that states across the country have enacted laws to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in places of public accommodations to prevent severe economic, personal, and social harm. Discrimination by places of public accommodation “denies equal access to important goods and services and, by segregating the market, has a well-established ‘substantial and harmful effect’ on the economy.”

According to the brief, a majority of Americans – 189 million – now live in communities that expressly prohibit places of public accommodation from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. Twenty-two states, including Connecticut and the District of Columbia have such laws. The brief further argues that prejudice “on account of sexual orientation ‘has severely limited or actually prevented access to employment, housing and other basic necessities of life, leading to deprivation and suffering’ and fostered a general climate of hostility and distrust, leading in some instances to physical violence.’” The brief points out that the Supreme Court has long held that discrimination in public accommodations is a “unique evil.”

The attorneys general argue that the First Amendment does not allow a business to exclude customers in violation of anti-discrimination laws. It also does not protect the speech in advertisements that give notice that places of public accommodations will refuse service on the basis of a protected characteristic.

Finally, the attorneys general call on the Court to follow the Supreme Court’s instruction to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are not subjected to “indignities when they seek goods and services in an open market.”

This press release was made possible by:

#Bridgeport CT–Special Thanks to the viewers who asked about this shooting. I don’t think we would know about it they didn’t tell me about it! See something, message me on Facebook or TEXT me at 203-769-6961 (text is faster).

Around 0159HRS this morning,  there was an assault with firearm that took place in the area of  the 500^th block of Noble Ave-  Initial reports indicated there were 2 gunshots heard.  Shortly after the initial call to 911, additional calls were received reporting a male victim shot near the above location. Initial on scene reports indicated the male victim suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach and leg.  He was transported to Bridgeport Hospital in a unknown condition at this time. Detectives are investigating this incident.