Woman Seriously Injured In Shooting In West Haven: Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — A New Haven man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that seriously injured a woman after a bar fight early Wednesday morning in West Haven, according to police.

Police responded around 12:15 a.m. on Feb. 15 to Campbell Avenue near Main Street on the report of a person shot.

The investigation found that two groups of people were involved in a fight at a bar that spilled into the street, according to police.

Police said the suspect, who was part of the fight, went to his vehicle and retrieved a handgun. The suspect then shot a 24-year-old female Hamden resident, who was walking along the sidewalk in front of the bar., according to police.

The suspect left the scene, and the woman was taken to the hospital with injuries that police said were serious but not life-threatening.

Detectives identified the shooter as 37-year-old Thomas Crocker of New Haven, according to police.

Police said Crocker was found Wednesday afternoon at a home in East Haven and taken into custody. Detectives found a .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine in Crocker’s vehicle, along with fentanyl packaged for street level sales, police said.

“During this investigation, New Haven, East Haven and Bridgeport Police Departments provided critical assistance to our investigators,” West Haven police wrote in a news release.

Crocker was charged with criminal attempt at murder, first-degree assault, criminal possession of a pistol, two counts of violation of a protective order, first-degree reckless endangerment, unlawful discharge of a firearm, illegal possession of a high capacity magazine, possession with intent to sell narcotics, and possession of a controlled substance. He was held in lieu of a $1 million bond.

“Due to the swift response of our patrol officers, detectives and numerous agencies' assistance; this apprehension took place within 13 hours from the shooting incident,” police wrote. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding.”