Suspect Arrested In Apartment Building Explosion In Bridgeport: UPDATE

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the Thursday morning explosion at an apartment building in Bridgeport, according to Bridgeport police.

Nelson Diaz, a convicted felon from Bridgeport, was taken into custody not long after the 12:25 a.m. explosion, which occurred in the third floor hallway of 1512 North Ave. No injuries were reported.

"Diaz was reported to be roaming the hallways of 1512 North Avenue the evening prior to the incident on June 12, 2024," wrote Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "He was again observed roaming the hallways in the early morning hours of June 13, 2024. He was last seen exiting the front door of 1512 North Avenue and walking briskly towards his car seconds after the explosion. Diaz vehicle was parked facing northbound on Lexington Avenue. Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on nearby Oak Street and took him into custody."

Details about what type of device caused the explosion were not disclosed, but evidence has been collected and is being forwarded to a lab for testing. Residents from the building were temporarily evacuated, and a portion of North Avenue was closed while emergency personnel were at the scene.

State and FBI bomb technicians assisted in the investigation, which remains active, but Gilleran said the incident appears to have been isolated.

"The surrounding neighborhoods have been canvassed, and numerous citizens have been interviewed," Gilleran said. "As this investigation proceeds, the Detective Bureau will continue canvassing the area for potential witnesses and additional evidence. The preliminary investigation suggests this is an isolated event. There is no viable reason to believe this occurrence was associated with terrorism."

Diaz has been charged with disorderly conduct, and is being held in lieu of bail of $25,000. His court date was not immediately available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Bridgeport Police Detective Sergeant Luigi Tucciarone at 203 581-52170.