Teen's arrest sparks community unity

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - A 17-year-old boy is accused of breaking into at least one home and sexually assaulting a woman inside. It's the second of two cases.

People living in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport say they're scared, but they are also speaking out and working together to keep each other safe.

“I think that you hear about this stuff and you hear there's a possible arrest,” said Shari. “But to actually get together as a community makes you feel part of something more than just yourself and that there's people supporting one another and looking out for the neighborhood."

Shari didn't want to give her last name but has lived in this neighborhood for 15 years. She tells News 8’s Crystal Haynes she has never been so scared and so relieved when police arrested and arraigned the suspect, Terrance Easton, for the July 11th home invasion and sexual assault of a 50-year-old neighborhood woman.

Saturday, Shari and others voiced their concerns at a special Black Rock Community Council meeting about patrols and communication between the police and the community.

“The fact that they weren't aware of it immediately was an upsetting thing to a lot of people,” said Phil Blagys, president of the Black Rock Community Council. “I know that the chief is going to work on improving that communication so that we are informed, but I think there's now a sense of relief and I'm happy the police were able to wrap this up so quickly."

The first case is the June 30th home invasion and sexual assault occurred of a woman in her 70s.

“I hope in a way that person is responsible for the second one as well, but I defiantly feel much better,” Shari added.

Detectives say Easton will likely be charged in the other home invasion and sex assault. It's just a matter of the lab results.

"'We feel very confident that the individual we have in custody is responsible for other instances. So it's a matter of time right now,” stated Bridgeport Police Captain James Viadero. “But being that the individual is in custody and is no longer out on the street, we feel comfortable with that position and we can further our investigation and proceed on."

While detectives wait for the lab results first of two home invasions and sexual assaults, they say the best way to protect yourself, if you do live in the Black Rock neighborhood, is meeting together and staying alert.

Easton's bond is set at $1 million. He is due back in court July 27th.