‘Person Of Interest’ Arrested In Fatal Shooting In Meriden: Police

MERIDEN, CT — A “person of interest” is in custody in connection with Monday’s fatal shooting in Meriden, police said in an update on Tuesday morning.

A man was killed and a woman was injured in the shooting that happened around 6 p.m. in the area of West Main Street and Lewis Avenue.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Shawn Mojica, according to Lt. Darrin McKay.

McKay said the “person of interest,” identified as Warren Watson, was found in a parked vehicle in the 200 block of Grove Street shortly after the shooting. Watson, 33, also had a gunshot wound and was taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to McKay.

Detectives sought several search warrants for multiple vehicles, along with the second-floor apartment at the address Watson was found at, according o McKay. A gun was found inside the apartment, McKay said.

McKay said Watson was released from the hospital after being treated for his injuries. He was arrested and taken to the Meriden Police Department where he was charged with operating a motor vehicle under suspension and a $25,000 bond was set, according to McKay.

Watson, who McKay said is currently on probation and has a “very lengthy criminal history,” was also charged with five counts of violation of probation and the Meriden Police are “very thankful for the assistance provided by the Office of Adult Probation.”

Watson is being held on an additional $500,000 bond; as each count of violation of probation had a $100,000 bond, according to McKay.

“The Meriden Police Department also wish to thank the Connecticut State Police, the Wallingford Police, the Cheshire Police, and the Southington Police Department’s for their assistance last evening,” McKay wrote in a news release. “This investigation required a vast amount of resources and their assistance with traffic control and crime scene security was extremely helpful.”

The woman, who had been in the car with Mojica, was also shot and is currently recovering from non-life threatening injuries, according to McKay.

“The members of the Meriden Police Department’s Patrol and Detective Divisions demonstrated outstanding police work from the onset of this investigation and their hard work and outstanding efforts are the reason that this investigation was handled in such a timely manner,” McKay wrote. “Although this investigation is still ongoing and additional criminal charges may follow, the Meriden Police Department is confident that no further threats to the community exist as a result of this investigation.”