Man returned to face attempted murder charge

BRIDGEPORT — A local man who police said fled to Florida after allegedly shooting a man during an illegal barbecue party in June was brought back to the city Tuesday to face attempted murder charges.

Jermain Denton, 38, was charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault and possession of a pistol without a permit.

Superior Court Judge Peter McShane ordered Denton held in lieu of $750,000 bond and continued the case to Nov. 3.

Police said Denton shot a 39-year-old man in the neck in the early morning hours of June 9 while attending the party on William Street.

Police said several hundred people attended the party in which patrons paid for their food which was cooked on numerous grills set up in a driveway of a home.

Officers responding to a call of shots fired found the victim lying face down in a pool of blood.

Police said the victim had several surgeries at Bridgeport Hospital but was initially unable to speak because of his wound. He was only able to scrawl the words “Indan shoot,” police said.

Officers spoke to the woman who threw the party but she claimed she was in bed sleeping when the shooting occurred, police said.

However, police said they later located witnesses who identified Denton, allegedly known as Indian on the street, as the shooter.

When he was finally able to talk, police said the victim told them Denton had shot him because he owed Denton $200 for marijuana. The victim related he had previously put Denton off, telling him he didn’t have the money, but then Denton saw the victim pull money out of his pocket at the party to purchase food.