BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A man was arrested Thursday morning after Bridgeport police and fire crews, as well as the FBI, responded to an explosion inside an apartment in the city overnight.
According to police, Nelson Diaz of Bridgeport, a convicted felon, was arrested for disorderly conduct and was identified as a "person of interest."
Police said they were called to the 1500 block of North Ave. just after midnight Thursday for a report of smoke coming from the third floor of an apartment building.
Responders found damage from what appeared to come from an explosion that went off in the hallway outside one of the apartment units. No injuries have been reported.
More than 100 people were evacuated from the building and nearby homes and moved to a school across the street. They have since returned to their homes.
The Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad and FBI Bomb Technicians responded and searched the building. Police said evidence was collected, including several items at the scene and numerous citizens who were interviewed, and that their Detective Bureau will continue searching the area for witnesses and additional evidence.
"Despite the fact that there's no report of injuries, it's a very serious incident," Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said during a press conference.
This explosion appears to be an isolated incident and there is no longer a related threat to the public, the New Haven Division of the FBI said. Police added Thursday afternoon that "there is no viable reason to believe this occurrence was associated with terrorism."
Diaz was reportedly spotted roaming the hallways of the apartment building Wednesday evening, as well as Thursday morning, and was also seen walking towards his car "seconds after the explosion," police said. He was taken into custody by police in a traffic stop on Oak Street and was held on a $25,000 bond.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Bridgeport Police Detective Sergeant Luigi Tucciarone at 203 581-5217.
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