NY Man Critically Injured In Bridgeport Shooting; 2 Arrested: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 23-year-old New York man was critically injured Wednesday night when he was shot in the abdomen on Hancock Avenue in Bridgeport, according to police. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

The shooting occurred in the 800 block of Hancock Avenue just before 8 p.m. Police said it was an isolated incident where the victim knew his attacker.

"Officers entered a multifamily home at that location and found a victim on the third floor suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the abdomen," said Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "The victim, a 23 year old New York man, was transported by ambulance to Bridgeport Hospital where he is listed in critical condition."

Authorities quickly determined the identity of the responsible suspect, and his possible location at the Bridgeport Intermodal Transit Center.

Using city surveillance cameras, the Bridgeport Police Fusion Center was able to assist the Patrol Division with a photo of the suspected shooter, 28-year-old Faruq Ishan Santos, and he was found at the Greater Bridgeport Transit Bus Station and placed under arrest.

"Santos was accompanied by a female companion who was able to make it to the Bridgeport Train Station before being approached by police" and arrested, Gilleran said. The female companion, identified as Vernaje Marie Hoheb, 19, was in possession of a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol believed to have been used in the crime.

Santos, a convicted felon, was charged with the following:

• Risk of Injury to a Minor
• Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
• Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
• Assault in the 1st Degree
• Illegal Alteration of a Firearm (obliterated serial number)
• Carrying a Pistol without a Permit
• Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm

He was held in lieu of bail of $250,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Thursday.

Hoheb was charged with:

• Carrying a Pistol without a Permit
• Interfering with a Police Officer
• Illegal Alteration of a Firearm (obliterated serial number)

Her bail was set at $50,000, and she is also scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Additionally, the Bridgeport Police Identification Unit served a search warrant within the 800 block of Hancock Avenue and collected several pieces of evidence.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Detective Eliud Henry at 203-581-5258, or utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.