19-year-old arrested in fatal shooting of Bridgeport high school senior K.J. 'Noodles' Johnson
Officers say Romaine Morgan, of Bridgeport, was arrested on Tuesday in connection to the death of K.J. "Noodles" Johnson.
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An arrest was made Tuesday morning in the fatal shooting of a Bassick High School senior, according to Bridgeport police.
Officers say Romaine Morgan, of Bridgeport, was arrested on Tuesday in connection to the death of K.J. "Noodles" Johnson.
Johnson, 18, was found in a multifamily home on Olive Street on March 7 suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Morgan, 19, is facing charges of murder, tampering with evidence and carrying a pistol without a permit.
MORE: Bridgeport police: 1 man killed on Olive Street
Johnson’s death has rocked the Bridgeport community as the first homicide of the year.
"The guns [are] gonna' always be in the street,” said Tony Barr, a community activist. "It will last a lifetime, losing a young person like that. A child."
In an exclusive interview with News 12 Connecticut last week, Johnson’s family said they wanted justice.
"It's just a tragedy," said Johnson’s mother.
"It becomes an actual burial and another one being buried in a cell for a long period of time…we have to figure out a way to stop these things from constantly taking place in our city,” said Barr.
Police are still investigating what led up to the deadly encounter.
"I hope this brings a level of comfort to the family,” said Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter.
Porter credits the arrest to the determination and teamwork of city law enforcement.
"It's a testament to the good work of not only our detective bureau, but our patrol officers, our task forces,” said Porter.
Mayor Joe Ganim and Sen. Richard Blumenthal have expressed concerns, along with residents, for the violent crime. Porter said the Bridgeport Police Department is taking any violence seriously.
"We're going to aggressively pursue anyone involved in violent crime,” said Porter.
Morgan’s bond was set at $2 million and he is scheduled to be arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Wednesday.
Johnson’s family held a vigil on Tuesday.
MORE: Bridgeport police: 1 man killed on Olive Street
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Vigil being held in honor of ‘Noodles’ Johnson who was fatally shot in Bridgeport
