Bridgeport Police Urge Traffic Safety After 3 Fatal Crashes

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport police are urging motorists to obey traffic laws following three recent fatal crashes in the city, including two that occurred within approximately 30 minutes of each other late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

Just before midnight Thursday, Garth Lawrence, 62, of Fairfield, was killed when his Toyota Camry crashed beneath an overpass at the intersection of Fairfield and Railroad avenues.

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The vehicle became pinned between a light pole and a retaining wall. Lawrence was unresponsive when Bridgeport firefighters removed him from the vehicle, police said.

He was transported to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he died shortly after 1 a.m. Friday. His family was notified.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Approximately 30 minutes later, a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a sport utility vehicle at the intersection of Park and Suburban avenues.

The motorcyclist, identified as Harry Mergoni, 28, of Bridgeport, was pronounced dead at St. Vincent's sometime after 1 a.m. Friday. His family was notified.

The SUV driver was not injured and cooperated with investigators, police said.

The Fairfield Police Department's Accident Reconstruction Team assisted the Bridgeport Police Traffic Unit at the Park Avenue crash scene because both investigations were taking place simultaneously.

The two deaths followed another fatal motorcycle crash Sept. 19.

In that incident, Natalie Velez, 41, of Bridgeport, was killed when a motorcycle she was riding crashed into a steel fence on Newfield Avenue near Beardsley Street.

All three crashes remain under investigation.

"Our hearts go out to the families affected by these crashes," Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter said. "We are re-emphasizing that drivers need to obey speed limits and follow traffic laws. The holiday season is approaching. We want everyone to get there safely."

Porter also acknowledged assistance from Fairfield police.

"I also want to extend my gratitude to the Fairfield Police for their help at the Park Avenue scene," Porter said.