2 Shootings Investigated By Bridgeport Police; 1 Person Injured

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Separate shootings from early Friday in Bridgeport are being investigated by police, one of which wounded a victim in the shoulder and leg, according to authorities.

The incidents occurred just after 2 a.m., when Bridgeport police received a ShotSpotter activation indicating 19 shots had been fired in the 600 block of Arctic Street. Less than a minute later, police received a second ShotSpotter activation of two shots fired in the 100 block of Caroline Street.

"Patrol Officers heard the shots and responded to the area to investigate," Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran wrote in a statement. "No victims were found to be in the general area however several shell casings were observed on Arctic Street just east of the V.I.P. Lounge & Social Club (1086 Pembroke Street)."

Witnesses contacted police and reported that a small car was seen fleeing the area southbound on Caroline Street. Officers patrolling the area of the East Washington Bridge observed a blue colored sedan traveling westbound, at a high rate of speed, over the bridge. Officers attempted a felony motor vehicle stop, but the operator refused to stop and continued at a high rate of speed towards Catherine Street, according to Gilleran.

"Moments later police discovered the vehicle, a blue Acura sedan, had crashed at the intersection of Park Avenue & Washington Avenue," Gilleran said. "The suspect vehicle crashed into the stone exterior of the St. Johns Church and came to a stop. All occupants of the suspect vehicle fled the accident scene on foot leaving behind at least two firearms that were observed to be in plain view inside the vehicle."

A short time after the ShotSpotter activations, police learned that a 33-year-old Bridgeport man was being treated at an area hospital for a gunshot wound to the shoulder and a gunshot wound to the leg. He is listed in stable condition.

The victim told police that he was outside the V.I.P. Club when he was shot by a man, described as Black, in his late 20s, with a thin build, and wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt.

Bridgeport police detectives are investigating the two shootings, and people who may have witnessed the incidents, or have any information about them, are urged to contact Detective Kevin Cronin at 203-581-5292.

Additionally, anonymous tips can be left on the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS (8477).