Danbury Fair Mall has been placed on lockdown Sunday. According to Danbury, CT Police, the Danbury Fair located at 7 Backus Ave, Danbury, CT was placed on a hard lockdown following officials’ investigation at the mall. Shoppers on the scene shared how terrifying it was for their families after a lockdown/shelter-in-place announcement was made inside the mall. Authorities did not immediately confirm the reason why the mandatory lockdown was imposed. The Danbury Mall manager did not disclose aby details following the incident.
The police have apprehended an 18-year-old male as a second suspect in a violent altercation that took place at the Danbury Fair Mall earlier this month, during which a teenage girl sustained a gunshot wound. According to the police, Derek Sotelo of Danbury brandished a hammer during a clash between two factions at the mall on August 11.
However, he is not being charged with shooting the girl. Sotelo was apprehended on Tuesday and formally accused of the following offenses: attempted second-degree assault, reckless endangerment in the first-degree, inciting a riot, endangering the welfare of a minor, and breaching the peace.
According to the police, a 14-year-old teen is accountable for discharging a single shot, which struck the 15-year-old female in the upper chest. The sound of gunshots caused widespread concern about a potential mass shooting, resulting in the temporary closure of the mall. The 14-year-old, who had a firearm, was apprehended within a week.
As per the authorities, Sotelo was a member of the gang that came to the mall to confront the group that included the 14-year-old child. According to the surveillance video, Sotelo brandished the hammer as a weapon during the confrontation.
The police are currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooting. If you have any information on this matter, please get in touch with Detective Paul Carroccio at 203-797-2169 or p.carroccio@danbury-ct.gov. Individuals desiring anonymity can contact the tips line at 203-790-8477 (TIPS).
