Teen Arrested Following Mall Shooting in Waterbury, Connecticut, Leaving 5 People Injured
A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at the Brass Mill Center in Waterbury, Connecticut, which resulted in the injury of five individuals. Authorities reported that Tajuan Washington, a resident of Waterbury, faces five counts of first-degree assault as well as multiple weapons violations in relation to the Tuesday afternoon incident.
Washington was previously out on ,000 bail for unrelated motor vehicle charges and was arraigned on Wednesday in the state Superior Court in Waterbury. The presiding judge, Corinne Klatt, set his bail at million, imposing a requirement for a cash posting of 50% of that amount, reflecting the seriousness of the charges.
The altercation that precipitated the shooting took place shortly before 5 p.m., prompting a large-scale response from law enforcement and resulting in panic among mall patrons, who fled the scene. Governor Ned Lamont labeled the event as a “terrible tragedy,” indicating that the violence was linked to a dispute among individuals who were acquainted, rather than being a random act of aggression.
Prior to the incident, the police were able to arrive on-site within approximately three minutes. According to Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo, individuals sheltered in place, demonstrating cooperative behavior that aided law enforcement in ensuring public safety. In the aftermath, five victims, aged between 18 and mid-20s, were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Mayor Paul Pernerewski addressed the nature of the incident, indicating that it stemmed from a personal conflict between two young men with a prior history. He recounted that an argument escalated into gun violence when Washington, armed with a pistol, shot not only the primary target but also four women who were accompanying him at the time.
As of Wednesday, police reported that three of the five shooting victims had been released from medical care, while the remaining two individuals were listed in stable condition. Among the injured, a young woman sustained significant injuries after being shot in the spine; however, doctors are optimistic about her recovery, noting that she has regained some sensation in her extremities.
The incident has prompted a broader conversation about gun violence and public safety in Connecticut’s malls, with officials and community leaders calling for actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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