Police Search For Boat That Hit Fairfield Vessel In Bridgeport Harbor

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Police are searching for a boat that struck another boat in Bridgeport Harbor Friday night, injuring the Fairfield boater who was hit, and then sped off, according to Bridgeport authorities.

The incident occurred following Friday night's fireworks, and Bridgeport police told Patch that the boat that was rammed suffered "extensive damage."

"FD Marine Unit responded with assistance from Fairfield and Stratford marine units to search the area," a Bridgeport police spokesperson said. "One male party was injured and transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries."

Fairfield police helped the injured boater, Lt. Michael Paris told Patch.

"We assisted only with transport of the patient on our boat, because we were assisting them with their fireworks detail," Paris said.

News 12 Connecticut identified the injured boater as Chris Falterer, who required stitches to close a cut over his lip.

Falterer, still in his damaged vessel, reportedly caught up to the other boat a short while after the crash, but the operator ignored his request for help and sped away toward Stratford.

The offending vessel, which was likely also damaged, is described as white, 28 feet to 30 feet in length, with a hard top and twin outboard engines.

Anyone with any information about this incident can leave tips on the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.