Feb. 1, 2008

State Police Investigating a Police Shooting in Bridgeport

On 01/31/08 the Bridgeport Police Department received information that a suspect, wanted by authorities from an out of state law enforcement agency, was in the Bridgeport area.  It was reported that he was to be considered armed and dangerous. Officers were provided with descriptive information regarding this suspect.

At approximately 11:15 p.m. a Bridgeport Police officer observed the suspect vehicle and made an attempt to stop the vehicle.  A brief pursuit took pace and ended on Granfield Ave. at Success Park when the suspect crashed into a chain link fence.

The suspect fled on foot with the officer in pursuit.

The Officer discharged his service weapon and the suspect was seriously wounded. EMS was summoned and responded to the scene. The suspect was treated at the scene and transported to Bridgeport Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  The officer was also transported to the hospital where he was treated and released.

As is the policy in all police shootings the Chief of Police and State’s Attorney requested the State Police Major Crime Squad responded to conduct the investigation into this shooting.

The Office of the Chief State's Medical Examiner will conduct a post mortem examination of the deceased to establish the manner and cause of death.

The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

The identity of the police officer is being withheld to allow notification of his family of his involvement on this shooting incident.

This case remains open and under investigation by State Police

###end### Lt. J. Paul Vance