Man accused of stabbing person outside smoke shop

Victim and others allegedly refused to give suspect money, according to police

A man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly stabbing someone outside a smoke shop in Bridgeport where multiple people had refused to give him money, police said.

David Raphael, 24, of Bridgeport was taken into custody at a train station on Water Street where officers found he had what appeared to be blood on his clothing and a knife, according to the Capt. Kevin Gilleran of the Bridgeport Police Department. He faces one count of first-degree assault. The stabbing was initially misreported as a shooting at 9:15 p.m. when officers responded to “unconfirmed reports” of someone being shot near the intersection of Middle and John Streets, Gilleran said in a statement. When officers arrived, they learned that someone had been stabbed and was on the way to the hospital in a private vehicle.

Gilleran said police quickly confirmed no one had been shot.

Officers began searching the downtown area for a suspect and secured a crime scene outside the G’smoke shop at 7 Middle St.

Around the same time, a 32-year-old Bridgeport man arrived at an area hospital suffering from a stab wound to his chest, Gilleran said. Police officers outside the hospital helped get the victim to the emergency room, where he was treated and listed in stable condition.

While canvassing the downtown area, police spotted a man who matched the description of the suspect, Gilleran said. He was seen entering the Bridgeport Train Station at 525 Water St.

According to Gilleran, officers saw a blood-like substance on his clothing and followed him into the bathroom. He was detained and later identified as Raphael. Gilleran said police found him with a knife.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority

Police were notified of the arrest and assisted with the follow-up investigation.

According to Gilleran, the investigation alleged that the stabbing occurred after Raphael had “confronted patrons and staff ” inside the smoke shop and asked them for money. The victim was a customer in the store.

Gilleran said Raphael was not given any money and was asked to leave the smoke shop. Shortly after, the 32-year-old man left the store and was involved in an altercation with Raphael.

According to Gilleran, Raphael stabbed the man and was stopped by a third person who intervened. Raphael then allegedly fled toward the train station.

After being detained, Raphael was taken to the Bridgeport Police Department. Police found that he had two warrants out for his arrest on charges of first- and second-degree failure to appear, Gilleran said.

Raphael was held on $150,000 bond over the weekend and was expected to face a judge on Monday in Bridgeport Superior Court.