Police Charge 14-Year-Old Boy In Danbury Mall Shooting

DANBURY, CT — Police have charged a 14-year-old Danbury boy with assault for the shooting of the 15-year-old girl at the Danbury Fair Mall last Wednesday.

Following their investigation, Danbury Police Department detectives say they were able to identify the suspect in the shooting and were granted a warrant for the teen's arrest by a Superior Court Judge.

The victim of last week's shooting received immediate medical attention from an off-duty EMT and responding officers before being transported to the Danbury Hospital, where her injuries remain non-life-threatening.

Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour said the shooting was an isolated incident between two groups of people who "were involved in some sort of altercation" outside Macy's at the Mall. One member of a group of at least eight people fired at a member of the other group. Police say the girl was part of the other group, but that it was unclear whether the girl was the shooter's intended target.

The alleged shooter, accompanied by his parents and attorney, turned himself in to police on Monday. He has been charged with first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, risk of injury to a minor, and breach of peace. The suspect is being held at Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center.

The incident is an ongoing and active investigation, according to police. Anyone with more information is urged to contact Det. Paul Carroccio at 203-797-2169 or p.carroccio@danbury-ct.gov. Anonymous TIPS Line is 203-790-8477.