Bridgeport Firefighter Accused of Taking Drugs at Incident Scene

Posted by: Curt Varone April 3, 2024 0

A Bridgeport, Connecticut firefighter is facing charges that he took drugs from the scene of a suspected drug overdose last month. Harold Clarke Jr. has been charged with tampering with evidence and interfering with a police officer.

The incident occurred on March 2, 2024 when firefighters were dispatched to a reported person unresponsive. Small bags containing cocaine and fentanyl were discovered. Police claim Clarke, 28, was observed taking a plastic bag from a bed in a basement bedroom and walk out of the basement. This was reportedly captured on the officer’s bodycam. The officer also reported that Clarke indicated the victim was a family member of his. The victim did not survive.

When confronted, Clarke denied taking the bag and later refused to submit to an interview with detectives. He has been suspended without pay from the Bridgeport Fire Department. More on the story, including news video coverage.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

Indictment of NYC Mayor Has FDNY Connection

The federal bribery and corruption indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams has an FDNY connection, alleging that certain chiefs were threatened with termination if they refused to accede to the mayor’s demands to provide preferential treatment for a building under construction for the Turkish government.

Ottawa Firefighters Not Guilty in Alleged Firehouse Assault

The YCMTSU criminal case against an Ottawa firefighter and his officer arising out of a firehouse scuffle, has come to a close with both being found not guilty of all charges. The scuffle was precipitated by what began as a friendly dispute involving a senior firefighter who wanted to handle dishwashing chores, and a rookie who insisted on doing it themselves.