Bridgeport Man, 36, Grabbed High School Girl In Kidnapping Attempt: PD

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 36-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested on attempted kidnapping and unlawful restraint charges Thursday, after police said he tried to kidnap a female student near Central High School in Bridgeport.

Not long after the 11 a.m. incident, Antonio Dossantos was charged with:

• Unlawful Restraint, 2nd Degree
• Breach of Peace, 2nd Degree
• Criminal Attempt, Kidnapping, 2nd Degree

The case began when Bridgeport Police Officer Dani Soto was sent to Central High School to check on the welfare of an 18-year-old female student.

"The student lost cell phone contact with a friend as she was leaving the school campus walking towards North Avenue," said Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "Upon arrival, Officer Soto confirmed with school security that the female student was located off campus and was in a safe environment."

When interviewed by police, the student reported that a man attempted to lure her into his car on the school campus. The student walked away from the suspect towards a pathway that connects the campus to North Avenue, Gilleran said, but the suspect exited his car and grabbed onto the victim.

"The suspect then attempted to drag the victim back towards his car as she yelled for help," Gilleran said. "The victim was able to break free and escape towards North Avenue."

Officer Soto contacted the police department’s Fusion Center, where the staff was able to review City and Board of Education surveillance cameras. The Fusion Center quickly provided Officer Soto with a suspect vehicle and last known location, and the suspect was apprehended in his vehicle on Taft Avenue.

The suspect, Dossantos, was interviewed by Det. Angel Llanos and confessed to the crimes, according to Gilleran.

Police also said that Dossantos was accused of trying something similar at Central High School on Wednesday, where he allegedly tried to kidnap a 15-year-old girl. Bridgeport Police Officer Lesley Billingslea took that complaint on Thursday. Dossantos is accused of trying to lure the girl into his vehicle near the school's Eaton Street gate.

"After further investigation, Detective Llanos was able to positively identify Dossantos as the suspect in the April 26th incident," Gilleran said. "Dossantos was charged additionally with Risk of Injury to a Child and Breach of Peace in the 2nd Degree."

Dossantos was held in lieu of bail of $150,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Friday.

"I commend Officer Dani Soto, Officer Lesley Billingslea, Detective Angel Llanos, and members of the Fusion Center for their due diligence in bringing both incidents to a speedy conclusion," Gilleran said.

Anyone with additional information regarding either incident is asked to contact Bridgeport Police Department case officer, Detective Angel Llanos, at 203-581-5238.

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