Here is the press release on the story we told you as it happened:
#Bridgeport, Conn. (September 17, 2015) – Yesterday evening the Bridgeport Police Department arrested a suspect in an open Bridgeport homicide case after a routine traffic stop turned into a motor vehicle pursuit. Cewell Sharpe (12/17/82) of Bridgeport is a possible suspect in an open homicide case. In connection with the motor vehicle pursuit, Sharpe was charged with operating with a suspended license, reckless driving, engaging in pursuit, failure to obey a stop sign, and violating conditions of a release. In addition, Sharpe was out on bond for two arrests that occurred on May 7, 2015 when he was charged with larceny, interfering with police, possession of narcotics, and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.
On September 17, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. police officers attempted to pull over a red Toyota Corolla on Park Ave. near the intersection with Benham Ave. after the Toyota violated a stop sign. The driver, Cewell Sharpe, pulled over momentarily and then quickly sped off. The police patrol car pursued the vehicle as it travelled southbound on Park Ave then eastbound on Harral Ave. then southbound on Coleman St. As the Toyota approached a red traffic signal on Coleman St. at the Washington Ave. intersection the Toyota swerved right and struck a parked, unoccupied blue colored Chevy. The Toyota crossed over Washington Ave. and onto the Route 8-25 Connector Southbound. The Toyota then travelled on the right shoulder of the connector then cut off numerous vehicles to the extreme left side of the connector to the on-ramp of tfor I-95 Northbound. Upon reaching the entrance to I-95 Northbound Sharpe slammed on the brakes in an apparent attempt to make the police vehicle strike the Toyota. Due to the Toyota’s erratic driving behavior, the police officer swerved and subsequently collided with the Toyota. Then both the Toyota and the police vehicle struck the center concrete barrier head on.
Police officers took Sharpe and the front seat passenger into custody without incident. The front seat passenger was subsequently released without charges. The police officer driving the vehicle involved in the collision was injured and transported by ambulance to St. Vincent’s Hospital.