Police apprehended suspect linked to shooting incident at Connecticut mall, leaving 5 individuals wounded.
Nineteen-year-old Tajuan Washington, a local resident of Waterbury, has been identified and apprehended as the suspected gunman responsible for Tuesday's shooting incident at the Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury, Connecticut. The shooting left five adults injured by gunfire, according to police.
During a press conference held on Wednesday morning outside the mall, Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo announced the arrest of Washington, who was captured on security footage fleeing the shopping center following the shooting. He has been indicted on five counts of first-degree assault and multiple weapons-related offenses. As of Wednesday, Washington was being held on a $2 million bond and is anticipated to appear in court later the same day.
"We are confident that we have the person responsible for this incident," Spagnolo stated.
The shooting transpired around 4:40 p.m. local time, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement officials. Upon arrival, officers discovered five individuals who had been wounded by gunfire. Initially, it was uncertain whether the shooter was still present on the scene. However, after inspecting security footage from the mall, police were able to identify the suspect fleeing from an exit of a JCPenney store.
As of recent reports, three of the victims have been discharged from hospitals, while two remain in stable condition. The most seriously injured victim, a young woman, sustained injuries to her spine and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Mayor Paul Pernerewski of Waterbury expressed hope that she would not be paralyzed as a result of her injuries.
While the identities of the victims have not been disclosed, authorities have revealed that the shooting was not a random act of violence. Despite initial speculation, it appears that the suspect and the victims were acquainted. A semi-automatic pistol was alleged to have been used in the attack, though the weapon remains unlocated at the time of this report.
State police and federal agencies collaborated in the investigation, including the clearing of the mall and the collection of digital evidence. Spagnolo did not divulge further details regarding the investigation, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing probe.
- Social media outlets shared video footage of the shooting incident at the Brass Mill Center Mall, providing general news and crime-and-justice updates to their viewers.
- In a surprising turn, the Waterbury sports team announced a special benefit game planned for the near future, with proceeds going towards the medical expenses of the shooting victims.
