BRIDGEPORT — A suspect was arrested almost immediately after shooting and killing another man on Friday.
A trio of Bridgeport Police officers were driving near Madison Avenue and Frank Street just before noon when they heard several shots ring out. They subsequently witnessed a male individual running away from the area.
Two detectives began pursuing the probable suspect on foot, while a third drove to the opposite end of the block by Grand Street, trapping the suspect. Eventually, the perpetrator found himself unable to run any further and was intercepted by police.
Meanwhile, EMS crews had arrived at the scene to find Kahlil Sloan-Diaz, 18, fighting for his life. The victim was rushed to the emergency room at St. Vincent’s Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. Shortly thereafter, he was pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds he received.
A continuing investigation revealed that Sloan-Diaz had been sitting in his car in front of a home on Madison Avenue when the suspect walked up to his vehicle and opened fire inside. After being shot, the victim managed to escape the vehicle but could not make it past the street corner.
The captured suspect, Deonte Tomlinson, 19, was initially arrested on an outstanding warrant for violating his probation and was given a bond of $50,000. Upon Sloan-Diaz’ death however, his charges were upgraded immensely. He is now charged with murder, carrying a pistol without a permit, altering gun ID marks and unlawfully discharging a firearm.
Tomlinson’s bond was increased to $1 million to correspond with the increased charges. He is expected to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Monday.
