String of shootings tied to one gun [random shooter? in New Haven CT USA]

(New Haven-WTNH, July 12, 2004 Updated 6:20 PM) _ New Haven police are looking for a suspect in four separate, but connected shootings in New Haven.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Police Chief Francisco Ortiz says there have been four shootings since Sunday in New Haven that have been tied to the same gun.

The first of the shootings happened on Sunday, and three men were shot within an eleven minute time span this morning.

The first shooting happened at 5:41 on Truman Street. The second took place at 5:47 on Sylvan Ave.

The third shooting took place at 5:52. The victim was found on Columbus Ave., but it's unclear if that is where the shooting happened.

Ortiz says that the shootings appear to be random and there does not appear to be a motive for the shootings. Patrols have been stepped up in the city in response.

Update

City on alert as shootings are linked

NEW HAVEN -- The city of New Haven is on alert after a series of shootings, that police say were carried out with one gun. The most frightening part may be the apparent lack of a motive for each shooting.
Police patrols have been increased across the city especially in the Hill neighborhood where 3 of the 5 shootings happened.
But it's leaving people on edge knowing that a gunman can strike anytime and for no apparent reason.
Police officers, many working overtime, are patrolling city streets on the look out for a gunman on the loose.
"Five of our citizens have been injured," said Chief of Police Francisco Ortiz. "We want to prevent the next possible event."
Ortiz ordered extra officers to be staffed after five men were shot in 36 hours, all with the same gun. Three men --all waiting for rides for work this morning were shot -- as many as seven times each.
Each were at different places in the Hill neighborhood, and none of the men seemed to know each other. Early Sunday morning, two men were also shot with the same gun in the Newhallville section of the city.
"Most shootings in the city are either domestic or involve illegal drug dealings," said Mayor John DeStefano.
The mayor is concerned because there is no apparent reason for the shootings, making it more difficult for detectives to crack the case and more frightening for everyone else.
Police are trying to figure out if more than one person is responsible for these shootings and they are also reaching out to the public for help.
If anyone witnessed the shootings or sees anything suspicious they are urged to call new haven at 1-866-888-TIPS.

Resolved, hopefully. July 16.

Police arrest three adults in New Haven shootings, two juveniles also face charges

New Haven Police Chief Francisco Ortiz announces arrests in shootings.

(New Haven-WTNH, July 16, 2004 Updated 9:25 PM ) _ New Haven police arrested three people in connection with a shooting spree that left five people injured earlier this week. They are being held on $5 million bonds.

Police Chief Francisco Ortiz and Mayor John DeStefano announced the arrests at an evening news conference at City Hall.

"We've identified five people. Two of them are juveniles," Chief Ortiz said. The adults are now in custody on a "variety of violent charges."

Under arrest are Clifton Foreman, 18, Dwayne Whitehead, 20, and Alazaron Sargent, 18.

"We have confessions," Chief Ortiz said.

"They showed an extreme indifference to human life and behavior," Ortiz said. "These folks were on a shooting spree and a crime spree."

Two others, both juveniles, have also been identified as suspects. Police say their families have cooperated with investigators. Chief Ortiz said they could be tried as adults.

They are expected to be in court next week.

Ortiz said the gun came to police attention thanks to the efforts of school resource officer Eric Jones. Someone in the community who trusted Jones showed him a gun that was later identified as the weapon used in the shootings.

Deputy Chief Bryan Norwood would not comment on the ages of the juveniles or their role in the shootings, calling the information "too sensitive." He also would not comment on a motive, saying detectives have "plenty of more work to do" on the case.

One of the adults arrested, Sargent, was already in custody on charges stemming from an incident in Wallingford.

Police would also not rule out making additional arrests.

Police identified the suspects and found the .22 caliber handgun used in the shootings after talking with people who had information about the case.

Mayor John DeStefano congratulated police for their work, and also praised members of the community.

"The men and women of this department, and the people of this community, they just decided they didn't want to be a part of this," Mayor DeStefano said. "They stood up and they gave these folks up. This was a real measure of the character of this community, of it's police department, and what we want for all our families. "

Earlier in the week, police recovered a Dodge Intrepid automobile from the Duck Pond at Edgewood Park that is connected to the case. Bullet casings were found inside.

The shootings took place Sunday and Monday and injured five people. None of the victims were connected with each other.

Two shootings occurred Sunday morning in the Newhallville section of New Haven. On Monday, three men were shot in a 15 minute span just before 6:00 a.m. in the southern part of the city.

A sixth person told police he was shot at on Congress Ave. Sunday. He was not injured.

Police increased patrols in the city and called the State Police in for assistance while they investigated the case.

Three of the victims remain hospitalized.

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