NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — New Britain High School entered a lockdown late Tuesday morning after a shooting that happened near the building, officials said.
New Britain police said a 16-year-old was reportedly walking back from the intersection of Mill Street and South Main Street when a car pulled up alongside him.
Officials said at least one shot was fired before the car sped off westbound on Mill Street in the direction of Buell Street and Kensington Avenue.
"Upon arrival they located a 16-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound," said New Britain Police Chief Christopher Chute. "He had non-life-threatening injuries. He was conscious. He was walking. He was talking and he was transported to an area hospital."
Moments prior to the shooting, the victim, who is a student at New Britain High School, and several friends were captured on surveillance video in the nearby City Gas convenience store.
"They were like four of them you know and they came in I think they had a break from class," said Kanwel Preet Singh, the Owner of City Gas. "They always come during the break apart."
According to police, an early 2000's light blue or gray Nissan Altima pulled alongside the victim and some sort of type of exchange occurred.
"At least one shot was fired, and the Nissan fled the area," the Chief said. "We believe that the parties involved in this incident are known to each other."
School officials said a lockdown was put in place to allow the New Britain Police Department to investigate the incident and to ensure there was no threat to students or staff.
About 45 minutes later, police told school officials they could move from a lockdown to shelter-in-place after no threat had been identified inside the building.
With the school placed in lockdown, panicked parents showed up. One mother, Shalon Ricks, even shot video of the main office abuzz with activity.
"Once the parents got in and we are all upset, concerned that the principal began to call the police on us," Ricks told FOX61 in an exclusive interview.
Her mission was accomplished.
"I got my child but I did not leave that office," she said.
School officials said no students or staff inside were injured.
Police said it's believed the driver of the car and the student may have known each other and there is no threat to the greater public.
Investigators will search for nearby surveillance video from the school and the gas station on the corner of Mill Street and South Main Street.
And we have multiple witnesses at this time and we're still communicating with the victim," Chief Chute said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the New Britain Police Department at (860) 826-3000.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Tony Terzi is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at tterzi@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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