At least 5 injured in mall shooting in Waterbury, Connecticut

At least five people were injured in a shooting Tuesday at the Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury, Connecticut, authorities said.

The incident took place at about 4:40 p.m. in what started as a “conflict” between two people, Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo told reporters in a news briefing. 

One person opened fire, police said, sending shoppers running for cover and sheltering inside stores.

Five people were rushed to a local hospital, police said. Their conditions were not immediately confirmed, but all are expected to survive.

“Responding officers found victims of gunfire,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo told reporters. “We do know that there were five victims that were struck by gunfire. Thankfully, currently, there is no fatal issue with this particular incident.”

Gunman sought in Waterbury mall shooting, police say

Spagnolo told reporters the shooting was not believed to be “a random act of violence,” but that it “started as a conflict that escalated.”  

“I saw people coming out of JCPenney and I heard some gunshot there, up top, and then it was right next to where Snipes was at,” witness Javon Turner said. “A girl got shot. She was losing a lot of blood. It was crazy, and I tell everybody, ‘Get out of here, let’s go.’ I tried to get everybody out of here in safety.”

Investigators believe the gunman was armed with a semi-automatic pistol and may have had an accomplice, but neither have been taken into custody.

“We recovered some evidence on the scene that’s assisting us in identifying the type of weapon that was used, and we’re hoping to identify the shooter through our investigative means and our forensic technology,” the police chief said.

Investigators are also looking at surveillance video in an effort to identify the suspect. Local police are working with the FBI and ATF.

Connecticut governor responds to shooting in Waterbury

After the suspect and possible accomplice fled, officers went store by store to escort out terrified shoppers.

“It was really amazing to watch people in this time of crisis keep cool heads and follow plans and shelter in place,” Spagnolo said.

In a statement, Democratic Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont called the incident “a tragic mass shooting” in “a place where everyone should feel safe.”

“We are grateful to law enforcement, who acted swiftly,” Lamont added. “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.”

Waterbury is located about 30 miles southwest of Hartford, Connecticut.