3 Shot During 'Unauthorized' Concert In Bridgeport's Seaside Park

BRIDGEPORT, CT — An "unauthorized music event" in Bridgeport's Seaside Park nearly turned deadly Thursday when three people were shot, and a Bridgeport police officer was injured during the pursuit of the suspects, according to authorities.

The three people who suffered gunshot wounds all have injuries that are not considered to be threats to their lives, and the injured officer "is expected to be alright," said Scott Appleby, the city's Director of Emergency Management.

Bridgeport police did not release the names of the shooting victims, but said they are a 24-year-old man, and a 23-year-old woman both from Bridgeport, and a 23-year-old woman from Waterbury. The name of the injured police officer also was not disclosed.

Officers were called to the park's West Beach area at about 4 p.m. on a report of the unauthorized concert, where upwards of 200 people were in attendance.

"Adults and children of all ages were observed at this event," wrote Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "At approximately 6:10 pm Officers reported hearing multiple shots fired and deployed on foot towards the gunfire. Three victims were shot during this incident."

The officers quickly apprehended the primary suspect in the shooting, 24-year-old Bridgeport resident Christopher Lloyd Rooche (also known as Trey Johnson), and charged him with the following:

• Assault in the 1st degree (3 counts)
• Risk of Injury
• Reckless Endangerment in the 1st degree
• Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
• Stealing a Firearm
• Carrying a Pistol without a Permit
• Weapon(s) in a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine
• Engaging Police in Pursuit
• Reckless Driving
• Tampering with Evidence
• Interfering with a Police Officer

Two other people were also arrested at Thursday's event.

Bridgeport resident Rashad Smith, 27, was charged with:

• Possession of a Hallucinogenic Substance with Intent to Sell
• Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Weapon(s) in a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Operation of a Drug Factory

Leanna Phillips, 25, also of Bridgeport, was charged with Interfering with a Police Officer.

Rooche is being held in lieu of bail of $500,000; Smith is being held in lieu of bail of $35,000; and Phillips was held in lieu of bail of $5,000. All three are scheduled for arraignment in Bridgeport Superior Court on Friday.

"This is an ongoing investigation," Gilleran said. "Remarkable job by members of the Patrol Division in the speedy apprehension of a violent suspect."

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the case officer, Det. Jose Bahr, at 203-581-5225.

Additionally, citizens can leave tips on the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS (203-576-8477).