Police Identify Teen With Hammer In Danbury Mall Shooting

DANBURY, CT — Police have apprehended the teen shown armed with a hammer in the surveillance video of the Danbury Fair Mall shooting on Aug. 11, which resulted in the hospitalization of a 15-year-old girl.

Police have identified Derek Sotelo, 18, as being part of the group that arrived at the mall intending to confront another group that included the 14-year-old male shooter. Sotelo intended to use the hammer as a weapon during the incident, according to the Danbury Police Department.

The victim was shot in the chest and received immediate medical attention from an off-duty EMT and responding officers before being transported to the Danbury Hospital. The alleged shooter, accompanied by his parents and attorney, turned himself in to police on Aug. 16.

Following further investigation, police sought and were granted a warrant for Sotelo's arrest on Aug. 24. Police located Sotelo in a residence in Danbury and took him into custody.

Sotelo was charged with second-degree criminal attempt to commit assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, inciting to riot, inciting injury to a person, risk of injury to a minor, and breach of peace. He was held on a $100,000 bond.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with more information is urged to contact the Danbury Police Department Det. Paul Carroccio at 203-797-2169 or p.carroccio@danbury-ct.gov. Anonymous TIPS Line is 203-790-8477.