4 Suspects Arrested On Burglary, Weapons Charges In Bridgeport: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Four men — three from Bridgeport and one from Meriden — were arrested on burglary and weapons charges Friday, after Bridgeport police said the four were seen on surveillance video breaking into an apartment at 50 Ridgefield Ave.

The incident began when members of the Bridgeport Police Regional Auto Theft Task Force, and other law enforcement partners, spotted "a gray Mercedes Benz C-300 with heavily tinted windows and misappropriated New Jersey registration plate," circling the apartment building.

"After making multiple passes, the operator pulled into the parking lot and backed into a parking space by the rear entranceway," wrote Scott Appleby, the city's Director of Emergency Management, in a statement. "The operator, later identified as Andy Marte, age 29, of Meriden, CT stayed behind with the car running, while his three passengers, all wearing masks, got out of the car, and entered inside the building using the rear door."

Several minutes later, the three emerged from the building, and got back in the vehicle. One of the suspects was seen wearing latex gloves, according to Appleby.

"Based on the suspicious behavior and the motor vehicle violation (MISUSE/Counterfeit NJ License Plate), Task Force Officers conducted an investigative stop," Appleby said. "While the vehicle was still stationary in the parking space, Officers removed the occupants from the vehicle for Officer safety and in plain view, observed a firearm, resting on the floorboard, behind the front passenger seat. After the parties were secure, Officers canvassed the building and recovered video footage, depicting the suspects attempting to break into an apartment using crowbars. A further search of the vehicle located two crowbars, and an additional firearm (Privately made Firearm-'Ghost Gun')."

Arrested were Tyrone Allen, 46, of Bridgeport; Jermaine Bethel Jr., 27, of Bridgeport; Kareen Porter, 24, of Bridgeport; and Marte, who is also known as "AD."

All were charged with:

• Conspiracy to Commit Burglary 2nd with a Firearm
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Criminal Possession of Ammunition
• Illegal sale, delivery, or Transfer of a Firearm
• Carrying a Pistol without Permit
• Illegal Possession of Large Capacity Magazine
• Weapons in a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Obtain Serial Number (Privately made Firearm)

In addition, officers recovered crack-cocaine and pills during the search, and also charged Bethel and Porter with Possession of Narcotics With Intent To Sell.

Marte and Bethel were both on parole for prior weapon charges and were remanded into custody.

"The Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force, comprised of officers from Bridgeport PD, Stratford PD, Fairfield PD, Trumbull PD and Westport PD, have been operating in Bridgeport daily for over the past 18 months, in a collaborative effort to prevent and/or dismantle/disrupt acts of violence by concentrating efforts on recovering stolen vehicles before they can be utilized in the commission of violent crimes," Appleby wrote. "Great work by this team."