9 people shot in Bridgeport, Conn. at housing complex

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WABC) -- Nine people were shot, one fatally, outside a Bridgeport housing complex just after midnight Thursday.

The shots were fired in a parking lot in the rear of the Trumbull Gardens housing complex. "Just a group of people enjoying a summer night, outside being with their friends and something happened," said Bridgeport Police Captain A.J. Perez.

Police say at least two suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts ran up on the group and began firing.

Six men and three women were shot, then rushed to two different hospitals.

A man, identified as Savonnie McNeil, 37, of Shelton, was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the hospital, while the others are in serious condition. McNeil grew up in Trumbull Gardens but had just moved away three weeks ago.

A woman was taking a shower when one of the bullets went through the wall and struck her in the back. She is expected to be treated and released from the hospital.

"When I heard pop, pop, pop, I said that's a gunshot," said a witness who did not want to be identified. "I seen everybody running and after the guns stopped, that's when I came downstairs."

She saw the injured and ran to help. The victims range in age from 27 to 59.

Bridgeport Hospital spokesman John Cappiello said one person has been treated and released and two others are in fair condition. Authorities said the other victims are in serious but guarded condition at St. Vincent's hospital. Several were undergoing surgery Thursday.

Police said they believe there were at least two shooters. There was also more than one weapon involved, police said and they have leads on suspects, but they are not releasing information on them yet.

The suspects fled on foot. The area has been plagued by violence between rival gangs, which the mayor has said he would like to prevent from escalating.

"We are outraged at this violence. This community here is outraged at this violence. This was senseless violence, " said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.

Police are investigating whether the shooting was in retaliation for a recent shooting in Norwalk in a battle between two rival gangs. Detectives are imploring those who know anything to come forward.

"Even if you think we know something, please provide that information," said Bridgeport Police Chief Thomas Gaudett. "The more information that we can get, the better cases we can build."

No arrests have been made.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.