By Tara O’Neill
Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, Conn.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — As a city firefighter recovers from the major injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run crash late last month, police are hopeful the image of the suspect vehicle will lead them to a possible arrest.
Bridgeport firefighter Erique McCalla, 46, was hit by a vehicle near the intersection of Stratford Avenue and East Main Street around 11:19 p.m. on Friday, June 28. The vehicle fled and responding units found McCalla seriously injured.
Bridgeport’s Director of Communications Rowena White said McCalla remains in the hospital’s intensive care unit as of Wednesday.
“(He) sustained major trauma to his chest cavity and several broken ribs and internal injuries, as well as minor brain bleeding,” White said. “Last night he was removed from (a) respirator to see if he could finally breathe on his own. If he can maintain his breathing and continues to progress, he will be moved from the ICU.”
In a statement released last week, Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran said the person hit by the vehicle — later identified as McCalla — was crossing Stratford Avenue within the crosswalk when he was hit by a vehicle. After the driver hit McCalla, Gilleran said at the time, the driver stopped briefly on East Main Street before driving away.
The suspect vehicle was described by police as a dark gray Toyota Corolla, possibly a 2015. Police said the car most likely has front-end damage and is missing the side rear-view mirror on the driver’s side.
“The mayor, (Fire) Chief (Richard) Thode, and all of us at the city are sending our prayers to Erique for strength and a speedy recovery,” White said.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Sgt. Gabe Meszaros at 203-576-7640.
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©2019 the Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, Conn.)