The deadly shooting of a beloved martial arts teacher, who was killed while working security at a Bridgeport bar and restaurant, is no longer a cold case.

On Tuesday, Bridgeport police announced an arrest in the 2021 homicide of 54-year-old Joselito Calderon. Victor “Chapo” Colon, 38, a local man already serving time on gun and drug charges, was arraigned Monday on charges of felony murder, accessory to murder, attempted first-degree robbery and criminal possession of a firearm. His bond was set at $2 million.

Detective Jeffrey Holtz, who took over the case a couple years ago when the lead detective retired, called Colon’s arrest gratifying and bittersweet. It means the start of justice for the family of Joselito Calderon, whose wife called Holtz every single month asking about progress in the case, but it doesn’t lessen the pain his family feels daily without him. Joselito Calderon left behind two adult daughters and a wife of 11 months.

“Joselito was my everything. He was not only my husband. He was my best friend,” Christina Calderon said at a news conference after the arrest. “My world was gone in like two seconds."

Christina Calderon not only lost her other half – she witnessed it happen. On July 11, 2021, she was at the Copa Bar and Restaurant, where her husband was on the job as a security guard, when he was shot and killed. Police said Colon was one of several armed suspects who entered the Copa just before 1 a.m. in what ended up being a failed robbery attempt.

“Joselito Calderon was shot and killed while stopping that robbery,” Holtz stated. “The bar was packed that night. Those suspects could've shot numerous people. He saved lives, and he was a hero.”

A second victim was also hit but survived.

Joselito Calderon died the way he lived, protecting others, his family said. Calderon was a Master Instructor of Tae Kwon Do and owned Chen Huu Academy in Stratford. His daughter Cynthia Calderon spoke with News 12 four years ago, explaining her father’s school was more like a community center or sanctuary than a business.

"Papi was a father to others. He took people under his wing and mentored them and cared for them. I didn't know that. Now that he passed, I get to hear all the stories, and it hurts it even more,” Cynthia Calderon said as she broke into tears. “He taught them to respect their parents. He taught them no fighting in the street. He taught them to be kind with each other. He taught them love.”

As the days turned into months and years, family wasn’t sure an arrest would ever come. On Tuesday, police said it’s just the first in the case.

“This is still an open investigation. There were several people involved in this crime, and we anticipate further arrests,” Holtz told reporters.

Holtz wouldn't get into details about what led to a break in the case but said video, phone records and forensic evidence were all used in the investigation.

Bridgeport’s chief commended detectives for their hard work and their dedication to closing cold cases.

“Grief is everlasting, but I hope today's arrest and future arrests will bring some level of comfort to Mr. Calderon’s family,” Chief Roderick Porter said, adding that he hopes it reassures other victims’ loves ones who are still waiting for justice. “Our detective bureau continues to work. We continue to care about you. We continue to care about the cases, even when they go cold.”

Anyone with information on this case or any other open cases, is asked to call 203-576-TIPS.