On a summer night in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the life of a beloved community figure was tragically cut short. Joselito Calderon, a 54-year-old male, was working as a security guard at the Copa Bar and Restaurant on July 11, 2021. Just before 1 a.m., several armed individuals entered the establishment in what police would later describe as a failed robbery attempt. The night, which had been filled with the usual activity of a busy bar, descended into chaos and violence.
During the attempted robbery, shots were fired, and Calderon was fatally wounded. A second person was also shot but survived their injuries. Calderon was transported to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he ultimately died.
In the face of grave danger, Joselito Calderon acted heroically. He was shot and killed while actively stopping the robbery. Investigators believe that his intervention prevented a much larger tragedy, as the bar was crowded with patrons that night. His wife, Christina, was present at the restaurant and witnessed the horrific events unfold. In the aftermath, his family and law enforcement officials alike hailed him as a hero who died protecting others, a testament to the way he lived his life. He was a husband of just 11 months and a loving father to two adult daughters.
Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Joselito Calderon was a man deeply respected in his community. Born in Ecuador, he had a background that included serving in the Ecuadorian military and as a bodyguard for the country's president. A master instructor of Tae Kwon Do, he owned the Chen Huu Academy in nearby Stratford for many years, where he was a mentor to countless children and adults. His students and their families remembered him not just as a sensei, but as a father figure who taught respect and kindness, often allowing kids who couldn't afford lessons to train for free. He was known for taking people under his wing and guiding them, leaving a profound impact on the lives he touched.
For years, the case of Calderon's murder remained a painful open wound for his family and the community. His wife persistently called detectives every month, seeking updates and holding onto hope for justice. That hope was finally rewarded in the summer of 2025, when Bridgeport police announced a major breakthrough in the cold case. Authorities arrested Victor "Chapo" Colon, a 38-year-old convicted felon who was already incarcerated on other charges. Colon was arraigned on charges of felony murder, accessory to murder, attempted first-degree robbery, and criminal possession of a firearm. Police identified him as one of the several suspects involved in the robbery that led to Calderon's death and have stated that they anticipate making more arrests in the case.
