Crime
Waterbury Brass Mill Center Shooting Suspect Identified as 19-Year-Old Tajuan Washington
WATERBURY, Conn. – Authorities have identified the suspect involved in Tuesday’s shooting at the Brass Mill Center as 19-year-old Tajuan Washington, who was already out on bond in connection with a previous criminal case at the time of the incident.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. confirmed that Washington is accused of opening fire inside the shopping mall, injuring five individuals.
The shooting, officials emphasized, was not a random act of violence, but instead stemmed from an ongoing conflict between Washington and another male individual with whom he had a prior dispute.
“This was a targeted confrontation between individuals with a history of issues,” Mayor Pernerewski stated. “It was a one-off incident. The public should know that the mall is secure and safe for business.”
According to Waterbury Police Chief Fred Spagnolo, Washington had been free on a $25,000 bond following an arrest in October, in which he was clocked driving 105 miles per hour on Interstate 84 East with his headlights turned off.
Following Tuesday’s shooting, Washington was taken into custody and is now facing five counts of first-degree assault, along with several firearms-related charges.
He is being held on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court later Wednesday.
Chief Spagnolo reported that three of the five victims have already been released from the hospital, while the remaining two are listed in stable condition.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and review surveillance footage from the mall.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.