Bridgeport, Connecticut – A 33-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly ambushing his ex-wife in , hiding in the trunk of her car and shooting at her as she drove to work. The suspect, identified as Joao Victor Borges-DeQueiroz, a Brazilian national, was apprehended attempting to cross into Canada and has been returned to Bridgeport to face justice.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of in the East End neighborhood of Bridgeport. According to Detective Jeffrey Holtz of the Bridgeport Police Department, Borges-DeQueiroz concealed himself in the trunk of his ex-wife’s vehicle. As she began her commute, he reportedly pushed down the rear seat and fired a weapon at her. Remarkably, the bullet missed its intended target, passing through the windshield instead.
The attack did not end with the initial shooting. Detective Holtz stated that Borges-DeQueiroz then physically attacked the woman inside the car. She managed to fight him off and escape to the porch of a nearby house, seeking safety. Police responded to the scene, but the suspect had already fled.
Authorities acted swiftly, recognizing the potential for Borges-DeQueiroz to leave the country. An arrest warrant was issued and entered into a national database, alerting border control agencies. This proved crucial when Borges-DeQueiroz attempted to cross into Canada from Vermont without proper documentation. He was intercepted by Canadian immigration officials, who then contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“They stopped him at the border,” explained Detective Holtz. “They ran him in the national database, and the Bridgeport warrant for attempted murder and other serious charges came up, so he was taken into custody.”
Following his arrest by Canadian authorities, Borges-DeQueiroz was held at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He now faces not only state charges in Connecticut, including attempted murder, attempted first-degree assault, first-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree stalking, third-degree assault, and carrying a pistol without a permit, but also a federal charge related to possessing a firearm as a non-citizen.
During his arraignment in Bridgeport Superior Court before Judge Charles Stango on , his bond was increased from $1 million to $2 million, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations. He was formally arraigned again on .
The case highlights the complexities of domestic violence and the lengths to which individuals may go in pursuing acts of harm. The swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies – Bridgeport Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Canadian immigration officials – was instrumental in preventing Borges-DeQueiroz from evading justice. The coordinated effort underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing cross-border criminal activity.
The attempted murder charge carries significant penalties, and the federal firearm charge adds another layer of legal scrutiny. The case is likely to draw attention to issues surrounding gun control and the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing individuals with potential violent tendencies from obtaining weapons. The fact that Borges-DeQueiroz attempted to flee the country suggests a premeditated intent to avoid prosecution, further complicating the legal proceedings.
The victim’s bravery in fighting off her attacker has been praised by authorities. Detective Holtz described her as a “very brave woman,” emphasizing the courage she displayed in a terrifying situation. Her quick thinking in seeking help at a nearby residence likely prevented further harm.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case progresses through the legal system. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of providing support and resources to victims. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for similar cases involving cross-border flight and the prosecution of individuals accused of violent crimes.
