Man Charged In Connection To Shooting Of Teen: Stratford Police

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford man has been arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred last year while a teen was playing basketball. The shooting took place on Aug. 7 at the George Force Basketball Courts, located at Woodend Road in Stratford, according to Capt. Frank Eannotti.

Jacques Smith, 20, was arrested Feb. 13 on a warrant and charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, weapon in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of ammunition and carrying a pistol without a permit. He was held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Feb. 21.

The 16-year-old victim was injured in a drive-by shooting while he was playing basketball on the courts. He was in “good condition” after being treated at Bridgeport Hospital after the shooting, police said at the time.

Three people were arrested last August in connection to a shooting that occurred Aug. 7 on Bruce Avenue that was apparently retaliation for the shooting that injured the teen, the Connecticut Post previously reported. A car was shot and damaged in that shooting.

Eannotti said there were several witnesses to the shooting at the basketball courts and investigators are asking anyone with more information to contact Det. Policano or Det. Torres at 203-381-2098. The investigation is ongoing at this time, according to Eannotti.

Pictured: Jacques Smith, 20, of Stratford / via the Stratford Police Department