Suspect Accused Of Kidnapping, Sexual Assault In Bridgeport: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 36-year-old Norwalk man has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping and related violations in connection with an attack on a woman last week in Bridgeport's East Side, according to authorities.

Leroy Martin Pressley Jr. was arrested in Norwalk on Tuesday by members of the Norwalk Police Department and the FBI. Based on felony warrants from Bridgeport police, Pressley was charged with the following:

• First-degree sexual assault
• First-degree kidnapping
• First-degree reckless endangerment
• Second-degree strangulation/suffocation
• First-degree unlawful restraint
• First-degree threatening
• Third-degree assault
• Disorderly conduct

According to Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran, Pressley is accused of kidnapping the woman at gunpoint last Thursday, threatening to murder her, and assaulting her. The incident occurred at her apartment on the East Side; Gilleran said the two had a prior relationship.

The case is being investigated under the direction of Bridgeport Detective Sgt. Jack Debarros and members of the department's Special Victim's Unit.

Pressley was arrested in Norwalk during a felony motor vehicle stop; he was additionally charged with illegal possession of narcotics by Norwalk police, before being turned over to Bridgeport authorities.

"I would like to thank the Norwalk Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners for their relentless effort in locating this violent suspect and taking him into custody without incident," Gilleran wrote in a statement. "Outstanding job by the case officer, Detective Davon Polite, the entire BPD Special Victim’s Unit, and the States Attorney’s Office - Judicial District of Bridgeport."

Pressley was held in lieu of bail of $750,000, and was scheduled to be arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Wednesday.