Bridgeport Police Officer Arrested On Stalking, Harassment Charges

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A veteran Bridgeport police officer, 47, was arrested this week on a warrant charging him with stalking, harassment and related charges in connection with a domestic violence investigation that began in May, according to the department.

Officer Dani Soto, who is a Bridgeport resident, has been on administrative leave with pay since May 8, and the department's Detective Bureau opened a criminal investigation the next day. Soto has been a member of the Bridgeport Police Force for seven years.

Soto surrendered to police early Wednesday and was charged with the following:

• Second-degree stalking - fear of physical safety (5 counts)
• Second-degree unlawful restraint (4 counts)
• Second-degree harassment (22 counts)

Details of the case were not disclosed, and Soto, who was held in lieu of bail of $75,000 is scheduled to be arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Wednesday.

"We encourage victims of domestic violence (DV) to seek assistance by contacting supporting agencies such as the Center for Family Justice (CFJ)," wrote Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "This non-profit agency provides guidance, assistance, and support to help victims of Domestic Violence become survivors. Victims of domestic violence can contact the Center for Family Justice hotline at 203 384-9559. Another service is the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The collation staffs a 24-hour toll free hotline and can be reached at 1-888-774-2900 (English) or 1-888-831-9200 (Spanish). Both services are free and confidential."

Gilleran added, "The Bridgeport Police Department is dedicated to building trust and legitimacy within the communities we serve by making every effort to maintain a permanent culture of transparency and accountability."

Anyone with additional information regarding thcase is asked to contact Bridgeport Police Detective Sergeant Jack DeBarros at 203 581-5202. Citizens can also leave tips by using the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.