Police in Bridgeport carried out a warrant sweep on Wednesday and arrested eight people wanted on domestic violence charges, including a man accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old.
The sweep, dubbed “Operation Purple Shield,” was carried out by the Bridgeport Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit and the Warrant Squad with assistance from the Detective Bureau and the Patrol Division, according to Det. Jeffrey Holtz.
“The operation was part of Chief Roderick Porter, Sr.’s effort to combat domestic violence,” Holtz said in a statement. “It came on the heels of the department joining with the Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport to raise awareness of the dangers of domestic violence at a vigil last month at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater. October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
Among those arrested was 44-year-old Patrick Curry of Bridgeport who was taken into custody in the early morning hours, according to Holtz. He was wanted in connection with allegations that he sexually assaulted an 11-year-old family member, Holtz said.
Curry faces charges of first-degree sexual assault, sexual contact with someone under 16 and risk of injury to a minor. His bond was set at $200,000, and he was expected to be arraigned later in the day.
The others who were arrested and were also expected to face a judge on Wednesday include:
Tyrese Dennis, who was charged with criminal violation of restraining order and second-degree harassment in the second degree. His bond was set at $25,000.
Jose Flores-Viano, who was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and third-degree assault. His bond was set at $500.
Tiago Amorim-Deferias, who was charged with second-degree breach of peace and third-degree criminal mischief. His bond was set at $50,000.
Tymithy Jenkins, who was charged with criminal violation of a restraining order. His bond was set at $30,000.
John Holleran, who was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace. He was released on a promise to appear.
Taneisha Fischer-Morris, who was charged with interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct. She was released on a promise to appear.
Brionna Bland, who was charged with third-degree assault, second-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree breach of peace and second-degree criminal mischief. Her bond was set at $100,000.
