16-Year-Old Charged in February Double Shooting Near School

16-Year-Old Charged in February Double Shooting Near School

New Haven, Connecticut — A 16-year-old has been taken into custody in connection with a double shooting that occurred earlier this year in New Haven, police confirmed. The incident, which unfolded in mid-February, left two young men injured and raised concerns in the local community.

What Happened

According to police, the shooting took place on February 15 at around 1 a.m. Authorities were alerted after ShotSpotter detected gunfire near John S. Martinez School on James Street. When officers arrived, they encountered a chaotic scene, with a large group dispersing from nearby streets including Mill Street and Chapel Street.

Witnesses at the scene told officers that a fight had broken out shortly before shots were fired. Amid the confusion, it became clear that at least two individuals had been injured.

Victims and Injuries

Police later located two 20-year-old men, both residents of New Haven, who had been transported away from the scene in a private vehicle. Officials confirmed that their injuries were non-life-threatening, though serious enough to require medical attention.

Arrest and Charges

After weeks of investigation, detectives identified a 16-year-old suspect and developed probable cause for an arrest. The teenager was taken into custody on Wednesday and now faces multiple serious charges, including:

  • First-degree assault (two counts)
  • Carrying a pistol without a permit
  • Unlawful discharge of a firearm
  • First-degree reckless endangerment

Investigation Challenges

Acting Police Chief David Zannelli acknowledged that the case involved several complexities, including the movement of victims from the scene and the large crowd present at the time of the shooting.

He also credited members of the community for assisting investigators, emphasizing that public cooperation played a key role in identifying the suspect.

Ongoing Concerns

While an arrest has been made, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about late-night violence and youth involvement in serious crimes. Authorities continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity and cooperate with law enforcement to help prevent similar incidents.

The case remains under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected as the charges move through the court system.

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