5 people shot at Brass Mill Center in Connecticut; person of interest in custody
Waterbury Police believe the shooting was not a random act
WATERBURY, Connecticut (WABC) -- A person of interest is in custody after five people were shot inside a shopping center in Waterbury, Connecticut on Tuesday, in what officials believe was a targeted attack.
Waterbury Police say the shooting unfolded at Brass Mill Center Mall, located at 495 Union St., just before 4:40 p.m., prompting a massive police response and mall lockdown.
When officers arrived, they found five victims with gunshot wounds.
According to Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo, all five victims were transported to local hospitals and are receiving treatment. None of the injuries were fatal, though some are considered serious.
"All victims were transported to local hospitals and are currently receiving medical treatment," Spagnolo said during a press briefing. "There are no fatalities at this time."
Authorities say the shooting was not random, and appeared to have stemmed from a dispute that escalated into gunfire.
"We believe this started as a conflict and it escalated," Spagnolo said. "We do know that there was one gunman at this time... armed with a semi-automatic pistol."
Detectives later identified a person of interest, who is now in police custody.
Law enforcement recovered evidence from the scene, including items connected to the firearm, which are now being analyzed by forensics teams. Officials believed the shooter was a man in his early 20s.
The chief said that while the investigation is ongoing and complex, they currently do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
"If anyone sees anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, we encourage them to contact their local police department or the Waterbury Police Department," Spagnolo said.
There were no officers posted inside the mall at the time of the incident.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont released a statement following the shooting, saying in part, "This afternoon there was a tragic mass shooting at the Bass Mill Center mall in Waterbury, a place where everyone should feel safe. We are grateful to law enforcement, who acted swiftly."
He says the Connecticut State Police will be assisting Waterbury Police with the investigation.
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
