5 Shot At Mall In Waterbury, Police Say

WATERBURY, CT — The Waterbury Police Department is currently investigating a shooting at the Brass Mill Center, 495 Union Street, in which multiple victims have been reported as of Tuesday night.

Police found five adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All were transported to local hospitals and considered to have non-life-threatening injuries at this time, police said. Some of the injuries are "more serious than others," but no fatalities have been reported, said Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

Details on the suspect

Spagnolo said during a news conference live-streamed on WFSB 3 TV that police believe one male gunman in his 20s is responsible for the shooting. Detectives have identified a person of interest, and he is in police custody at this time, police said in an update late Tuesday. The gunman had a semi-automatic pistol, police said. Spagnolo said it is possible that someone assisted the gunman.

'Not a random act of violence'

Spagnolo said this is "not a random act of violence," and that there was a conflict that escalated. He said the suspect and the victims knew one another.

The shooting occurred around 4:40 p.m. in the central part of the mall.

The FBI, ATF and Connecticut State Police are all assisting with the investigation.

Spagnolo said law enforcement helped clear the mall and some people sheltered in place. He said it was "amazing" to watch folks in a time of crisis keep their cool. Several mall patrons are being interviewed by police.

Canines were used to assist in clearing the mall. Police escorted EMS into the mall to render medical aid, the chief said.

He said a lengthy police investigation is expected and video is being used to assist the investigation.

Spagnolo said the mall staff and the patrons inside did a great job of keeping people safe. He said "these acts occur," and it's unfortunate, but we can't let them get us down. He said the mall is largely a "fairly quiet" place.

Gov. Lamont's statement

Gov. Ned Lamont said, “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. Details are still forthcoming, but the Connecticut State Police will be assisting Waterbury Police with the investigation. Our hearts break for the Waterbury community, the victims, and their families who have been impacted by this incident.”

Hearst Connecticut reports that nearly 50 law enforcement and emergency responders were at the scene. A mall employee told Hearst CT that about a dozen gunshots were heard.

In December 2023, a 17-year-old was shot in the food court area of the same mall, WTNH News 8 reported at the time. Police at the time called that shooting an "isolated incident," Fox 61 reported.

Some of the stores located at the mall include: JCPenney, iHop, GameStop, Dick's Sporting Goods, Buffalo Wild Wings, Apple Cinemas, Barnes & Noble, Burlington, Chili's, and Petco.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Waterbury Police Detective Bureau at (203) 574-6941 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (203) 755-1234.