Vape Shop Co-Owner Arrested In Bridgeport Shooting: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 41-year-old Bridgeport man, a co-owner of the Elevate CT vape shop in Bridgeport, has been arrested on two counts of first-degree assault in connection with a January shooting that occurred outside the store, according to Bridgeport police.

In addition to the assault charges, Joshua Mercado, a convicted felon, was also charged with the following:

• Criminal possession of a pistol/revolver
• Illegal discharge of a firearm
• Second-degree breach of peace

Mercado surrendered to Bridgeport Police on Tuesday on a warrant charging him in connection with the Jan. 28 double shooting.

"This incident originated inside the 'Elevate CT' vape shop located at 1219 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT," wrote Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "An altercation began inside the shop and continued out into the street. Josuah Mercado, who is part owner of the vape shop, was working at Elevate CT when the incident occurred."

Four people were hospitalized in the shooting, including two people who were in a car crash related to the incident, according to police.

Mercado is being held in lieu of bail of $400,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on March 19.

The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information about the crime is requested to contact the case officer, Detective Kevin Cronin, at 203-581-5292.

Citizens can also utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.