In Waterbury, Connecticut, law enforcement has apprehended an individual as a person of interest tied to a shooting incident at a local shopping center, which resulted in five individuals sustaining injuries on Tuesday. This event triggered both an evacuation of the premises and a substantial police operation.
According to Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo, authorities were dispatched to the Brass Mill Center following reports of a disturbance around 4:40 p.m. Attendees at the scene faced significant alarm as five people were injured, all of whom are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals. Fortunately, police reports posted on social media later confirmed that none of the injuries sustained are life-threatening.
Initial investigations suggest that the weapon used in the shooting was a semiautomatic pistol. Authorities have determined that the attacker had prior acquaintance with the victims, and the altercation was the result of a dispute that rapidly escalated. Chief Spagnolo remarked that they do not perceive this as a random attack, and affirmed that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
However, details regarding the person of interest remain sparse, as officials have yet to release any further information. Spagnolo took a moment to commend the swift actions of both the patrons and mall employees who sought refuge as the situation unfolded around them.
“Their response prevented what could have been a far more catastrophic event,” Spagnolo commented, urging the community to remain resilient despite such incidents occurring in today’s society.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont expressed his condolences and support to those affected, stating that state law enforcement agencies will assist with ongoing investigations into the matter. “Our thoughts are with the Waterbury community, the victims, and their families,” he expressed.
Brass Mill Center, the site of the incident, is situated slightly off Interstate 84, roughly 30 miles southwest of Hartford, which serves as the state’s capital.