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Bridgeport police take measures to curb gang violence, ask state police for help

BRIDGEPORT — The city of Bridgeport is requesting assistance from Connecticut State Police in dealing with recent gang violence that has put officials and resid...
Bridgeport Chief Perez

BRIDGEPORT — The city of Bridgeport is requesting assistance from Connecticut State Police in dealing with recent gang violence that has put officials and residents on high alert.

The Bridgeport Police Department has had to pull officers from various specialized units to keep tabs on the growing problem that's been plaguing the city. Chief Armando Perez also says the city is down 101 officers.

Now, the city is asking for help from State Police, specifically asking for 10 troopers to help patrol the streets.

Perez is worried that beyond the spree of shootings recently, including a house party where 13 were shot, that the recent acquittal of members of the Green Boyz gang in three murder trials may spur other gang members to go out and cause more violence.

Perez says he's doing everything possible to curb the gang violence in Bridgeport. The officers reassigned to department's patrol unit will be dispatched to areas identified as a high risk for gun violence.

"I'll beg if i have to, I'll do anything that I need to do to keep the people of this city safe," Chief Perez told FOX 61.

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