Photo Released Of 'Person Of Interest' Sought In Shooting At UB

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport police are searching for a "person of interest" in connection with Tuesday night's shooting in the dining hall of the University of Bridgeport, according to Police Chief Roderick Porter. The shooting left one person hospitalized with wounds that are not considered to be a threat to his life.

The person sought for questioning by police is named Dylan Cruz-Tillery, 18, of Queens, New York. A warrant for his arrest has not been obtained by police, but Cruz-Tillery could face a charge of first-degree assault in the shooting. See a photo below of Cruz-Tillery.

Porter said that Cruz-Tillery, who knows the victim, is not believed to still be in Connecticut, and Bridgeport police are in contact with authorities in New York on the search.

Neither Cruz-Tillery nor the victim are UB students, but were at the school Tuesday night as visitors when an altercation erupted between the two. No other injuries were reported.

"We believe this was a fight over a young lady," Porter said during a news conference Wednesday; click here to view the news conference."That was the impetus of the altercation."

The victim, who is being treated at Bridgeport Hospital, suffered a gunshot wound to his right arm, and the bullet grazed his chest, Porter said, adding that the victim is expected to recover.

The university was temporarily placed on lockdown while police investigated and searched for the suspect Tuesday, but the order was lifted hours later, and classes resumed as usual on Wednesday morning.

"Additional patrols have been deployed to ensure safety around the campus," wrote Tiadora Josef, the city's director of Public Information, in a statement Tuesday night. "We ask the public to avoid the area at this time, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available."

On Wednesday, Porter reiterated that the increased police presence at the school would continue for an undisclosed period; a Bridgeport police officer is normally stationed at the school, and that officer responded immediately to the report of gunshots in the dining hall.

The added patrols will be in addition to the police officer who is stationed on campus; Porter and university President Danielle Wilken will discuss the length of time for the added patrols.

"The Bridgeport Police Department quickly responded to the scene and discovered one victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound," police wrote in a statement. "At this time, the Bridgeport Police Department is actively investigating this matter but would like to assure residents of the South End and parents of students that attend the University of Bridgeport that there is currently no active threat."

Wilken, thanked the police department, UB Security Team, and first responders for the "endless commitment to the UB community," and the quick response.

"Campus safety is our number one priority," Wilken said in a statement. "We appreciate all the love and outpouring of support from our local officials — including the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and state delegation who have all offered their support. It is important to note that neither the victim nor the shooter are UB students but were visitors on campus. As Chief Porter said, this is an isolated incident. We continue to take strong measures to ensure the safety of our community, and we will follow the directives of the Bridgeport Police Department."

— Flyer from the Bridgeport Police Department