A teen is hospitalized after being shot inside the Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury Friday evening.
Authorities were called to Union Street at 5 p.m. after getting a reported of shots fired in the food court.
Officers said they found a 17-year-old male inside the mall with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and is currently in stable condition.
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There was a large police presence at the mall Friday night as authorities conducted an investigation.
The police department said there is no threat or danger to the public. The incident stemmed from an altercation between people inside the mall, according to authorities.
Fahd Sayed, a former correction officer, was inside the Brass Mill Center mall when he heard gunshots.
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"I heard the sound. Pop, pop. And that's it," Sayed said. "My instincts, my law enforcement instincts came in and was trying to save lives no matter what."
He said he tried to guide shoppers to safety as they ran for cover.
"My first reaction was to make sure people were safe and if I did see a shooter come out, I wanted to get those people as tucked in an much as I could," Sayed said.
No arrests have been made, but Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said investigators will be looking for any evidence that could point to suspect. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
"There's a lot of intelligence and there's a lot of technology that we're combing through right now. It's just going to take a little bit of time," Spagnolo said.
Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski said there is no responsibility he takes more serious than the safety of residents and those who visit the city.
“Unfortunately, gun violence continues to affect too many communities across the United States, including our Brass City. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners to be sure we have the tools and resources, including strong laws, to allow us to address violence such as what occurred today at the Brass Mill Center," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives by calling 203-574-6941. You can also leave an anonymous tip at 203-755-1234.
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