Man Charged In Shooting In Middletown: Police

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown police Tuesday arrested a 38-year-old man accused of shooting a man on Saturday, the Middletown Police Department announced in a news release.

On Saturday at about 2 a.m., Middletown police officers responded to reports of a shooting at the parking lot of 288 South Main Street that injured one victim, police said. Patrol officers located evidence and video surveillance at the scene, and turned the investigation to the Investigative Services Division.

Authorities identified Richard Lespier, 38, of Meriden, as the suspect, then obtained a warrant to search his vehicle and home. Detectives found further evidence linking Lespier to the shooting, and then issued a warrant for his arrest, police said.

Lespier was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with 1st-degree assault with a firearm, criminal attempt at 1st-degree assault, six counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and more. He is being held on a $750,000 surety bond that will be presented at Middletown G.A.9 court on Wednesday, police said.