Bridgeport Police Sergeant Assaulted by Armed Gunman: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A Bridgeport police sergeant was assaulted by an armed robbery suspect Monday night and the suspect ended up firing a gun during the physical confrontation and ended up shooting himself, police said.

At 8:57 p.m. police responded to an an armed robbery that occurred at 375 Capitol Avenue, Bridgeport, police said. A Hispanic male entered this location, displayed a firearm and ordered the store clerk to turn over money, police said.

The clerk complied, and the perpetrator fled the scene on foot with the cash, police said. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene and began canvassing the area, police said. Shortly after, Sergeant James Geremia located the perpetrator at Main Street near Charles Street, police said.

A physical altercation occurred and the perpetrator, identified as Steven Nieves, 31, resisted arrest and assaulted the sergeant, police said. During the struggle, Nieves reached for a small handgun that was in his pants pocket and the weapon discharged, police said.

Nieves was struck by a single bullet and sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, police said. The sergeant was able to call for assistance and Nieves was taken into custody. Both Nieves and Sergeant Geremia were transported to St. Vincent's Medical Center for treatment, police said. Sergeant Geremia was treated and released with minor injuries, and Nieves was also treated and released to police custody, police said.

Nieves is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Discharge of Firearms, Assault on a police Officer, Reckless Endangerment, Threatening and Carrying a Pistol without a Permit. Bond is set at $250,000.

Image via Bridgeport Police Department