BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 22-year-old Bridgeport man has been identified as the victim in Wednesday morning's rock attack in B.J. Brown Park, according to police.
The victim, who was struck in the head with a large rock, is from the East End of the city, but police are not releasing his name. As of Thursday afternoon, he was still in critical condition and unable to speak, authorities said.
"The Detective Bureau received a tip about his identity following media reports on Wednesday night," officials wrote in a statement. "A family member confirmed who he is from a photograph. That person told Detectives he had not been home in a week. He was not reported missing."
Officers responded to the park, at the intersection of Center Street Extension and Madison Avenue, at around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday and found the man beneath an overhang near a bicycle rack.
He was unresponsive, covered in blood and suffering from a severe head injury, police said. A large rock, also covered in blood, was found next to him.
The victim was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he remains listed in critical condition.
Detectives believe the man may have been sleeping when he was attacked.
"This attack is disturbing on many fronts," Bridgeport Police Det. Jeffrey Holtz said in a statement. "This man appears to be a part of our community that is already vulnerable. It looks like he never saw this coming. We also need to find out who he is."
Holtz also expressed concern about the violence occurring in a public park used by Bridgeport residents.
"Every day, many children, adults, and families use our parks to enjoy themselves," Holtz said. "B.J. Brown Park is special to the city. His murder has not been forgotten. The park is supposed to be a place of peace."
Read More:
He added, "As always, we are asking the public to help us find out who did this."
Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact Bridgeport Police Det. Kevin Cronin at 203-581-5292.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Bridgeport Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.