BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — An 18-year-old individual from New York City has been charged in connection with a shooting that took place in a dining facility at the University of Bridgeport, leaving a juvenile injured. The young man voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities on Friday, according to police reports.
A warrant had been issued for his arrest related to the incident that transpired on October 29 at the Marina Dining Hall, which resulted in a significant lockdown of the campus for several hours. Officials confirmed that a bail amount of $250,000 was set in connection with this case.
The suspect is anticipated to face an arraignment on the same day in Bridgeport Superior Court, facing accusations of first-degree assault and illegal possession of a firearm. As of now, it remains unclear if he has legal representation to address the charges brought against him, and there are no available court documents regarding the case yet.
Authorities indicated that the suspect and the victim, a teenage boy who is not affiliated with the university, had previously communicated about a romantic interest on social media, which may have led to a confrontation between the two. Reports confirm that the victim sustained injuries to his right arm and received a graze wound to his chest; fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening.
The shooting incident, which occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m., prompted an extensive response from law enforcement and campus security personnel. The campus remained under lockdown until the following morning, during which police recovered a firearm and additional evidence linked to the case.
Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter emphasized the concerning trend of young individuals acquiring firearms and highlighted the necessity for improved conflict resolution skills among youth. “This situation illustrates a broader issue that we face, not just here in Bridgeport but on a national level. We must focus on guiding our youth on how to de-escalate tense situations rather than resorting to violence,” he stated following the incident.