WATERBURY, Conn. — Three overnight shooting incidents - including one that left a 14-year-old injured after being shot in the back - are under investigation by police Thursday morning. The three incidents are believed to be connected.
At 11:45 p.m., police received a report of a shooting on Cassidy Avenue. Police said multiple rounds were fired from an assault rifle and a 9 mm handgun at a home. No injuries were reported.
About 15 minutes later, police received another report of a shooting, this time on Whitewood Road. The house was occupied at the time it was struck, according to police, but no injuries were reported.
Another 15 minutes later, a third shooting was reported on Angel Drive, half a mile away from Whitewood Road. Officials said shots were fired into a home also from a 9 mm handgun. A 14-year-old who was inside at the time was struck in the back. He was taken to St. Mary's Hospital for treatment before being transferred to Connecticut Children's Medical Center. He is currently in stable condition, according to police.
9 mm casings were found at each of the scenes, according to police.
"The residences were struck by gunfire from the outside, so you know we believe the potential for a drive-by shooting is significant," Waterbury PD Chief Fred Spagnolo said.
Retaliation was a possible motive in all of the shootings, according to Spagnolo, who added that living in each of the three homes shot at are juveniles, who've been in trouble criminally, including the victim.
Two of the juveniles were recently released from detention after they were arrested on weapons charges.
"We need people to recognize and understand that there’s kids involved in auto theft, graduating to violent crime, they’re getting caught with guns," Spagnolo said. "They’re stealing guns out of residences and they’re shooting each other and they’re shooting randomly in our communities."
Spagnolo added that there is an issue with group violence and kids ranging from the ages of 15 to 21-years-old in the community.
According to officials, investigators believe all three shootings are connected and are isolated incidents. Spagnolo said the shootings on Whitewood Road and Angel Drive may have been retaliatory for the shooting earlier on Cassidy Avenue.
Police said they have descriptions of the cars involved but do not know if the vehicles were stolen or not. They have not released information regarding the descriptions at this time.
Spagnolo said that the Waterbury Police Department has an active gang violence task force that works with state agencies but focuses on adults, saying information on juveniles is limited for police.
Police chiefs statewide are begging the legislature to respond.
State Sen. Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), told FOX61 the law makers will continue to work on measures that will act as deterrents to minors.
The Greater Waterbury YMCA also said they are taking an active role in engaging youth - especially during these tumultuous times - through homework help, swimming, gym time and even music lessons.
"We’re going to be teaching them how to play piano, drums, vocals you know stuff in that range," Edna Walton of the Greater Waterbury YMCA said.
The Y works closely with the Board of Education, DCF and other non-profits.
"We talk a lot together and try to figure out different programs we can offer and you know it’s a staple," Jim O’Rourke, Executive Director of the Greater Waterbury YMCA added. "We need to be here to support everybody."
All youth, even if they can't afford a membership, are welcome.
The investigation into the shootings is ongoing.
The Waterbury Police Department asks that anyone with further information regarding this incident contact the detective bureau at (203) 574-6941 or Crime Stoppers at (203) 755-1234.
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