Man Shot, Charged With Home Invasion In Late Night Westville Melee: PD

NEW HAVEN, CT — In the Westville neighborhood, gunshots rang out around 11:30 p.m. with cops finding a "melee" of a fight between three people with one shot, and later charged with home invasion, police said.

According to New Haven police spokesperson Christian Bruckhart, a 911 caller reported hearing gunfire in the area of Central Avenue between Fountain and Willard streets. When cops got there, the fight was underway. Police said Richard Smith, 32, arrived in the area to "confront his ex-girlfriend's friend."

Bruckhart described what police said happened:

"Smith began threatening the victim, who had just arrived home and was walking in his driveway, with a handgun. A struggle ensued between both men. A third man, who is a relative of the victim's, heard the commotion, and came downstairs to help, becoming embroiled in the fight. While all three parties were struggling for the firearm that Smith had in his possession, two shots were fired. The melee continued down the driveway and into the street, where an additional round went off."

Bruckhart said a Glock 19 9mm with a high capacity magazine was found, along with ballistic evidence. The other two "victims declined medical attention."

Smith was shot and was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where police said they were told his injuries were non-life-threatening. Bruckhart said Smith was taken into custody and charged with home invasion, two counts of attempted first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, two counts of criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, and possession of a high-capacity magazine.

Smith was detained on a $750,000 bail, police said