A violent dispute at a shopping center in Waterbury, Connecticut, escalated into a shooting on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to five individuals, as reported by local law enforcement. The incident took place at the Brass Mill Center around 4:40 p.m., and the injured parties were quickly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Law enforcement officials have stated that the shooting was not a random act of violence. Instead, it was the culmination of a heated argument that spiraled out of control within the 1.1-million square-foot shopping complex. The suspect, thought to be a man in his 20s, allegedly used a semi-automatic pistol during the incident.
Late on Tuesday night, police detained a person of interest in relation to the shooting. However, the main suspect is still at large. A video believed to be from inside the mall, which is circulating online, shows one of the victims crying out in pain and pleading for help.
The severity of the injuries sustained by the victims is not yet known, but officials have confirmed that there were no fatalities. The mall was crowded with shoppers at the time of the incident, many of whom sought shelter in place as the situation unfolded.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont expressed his grief over the incident, stating, “This afternoon there was a tragic mass shooting at the Bass Mill Center in Waterbury, a place where everyone should feel safe.” He offered his condolences to the victims, their families, and the Waterbury community affected by the incident.
The Waterbury Police Department is collaborating with the Connecticut State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the ongoing investigation into the incident.