An 18-year-old from New York City has turned himself in to police following a shooting at the University of Bridgeport that left a juvenile injured.
The incident occurred on October 29 at the Marina Dining Hall of the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, causing an extensive lockdown on campus.
The suspect, who is not a student at the university, is accused of shooting a teenage male victim. Authorities indicated that the conflict arose over a female and that the individuals had engaged in prior communication through social media.
The victim, who also is not affiliated with the university, sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm and a graze to the chest, according to officials. Fortunately, the injuries were not life-threatening.
Upon surrender, the suspect was charged with first-degree assault and carrying a pistol without a permit. He is currently being held on a $250,000 bail, awaiting arraignment in Bridgeport Superior Court.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the urgent need for addressing youth access to firearms and their inability to de-escalate conflicts effectively. “This is an example of young individuals’ ability to obtain firearms and their inability to de-escalate or diffuse situations,” said Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter.
The event prompted a significant response from both police and campus security, and the lockdown remained in place until the following morning. A firearm and additional evidence were recovered at the scene of the shooting.
The incident at the University of Bridgeport highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and gun access. Authorities continue to stress the importance of conflict resolution skills to prevent such events in the future.
Source: Apnews
