Officers suffer minor injuries taking suspect into custody in Bristol shooting

A suspect in a shooting in Bristol Thursday night is in custody on charges of interfering and assault on an officer.

Two police officers were injured taking a suspect into custody in connection with a shooting in Bristol Thursday night involving multiple people in separate vehicles.

Police just before 10:50 p.m. received multiple calls reporting a shooting involving a motorist in a dark sedan firing gunshots at another car at a traffic light on Stevens Street, according to Lt. Chris Lennon of the Bristol Police Department.

The shooter, described as a male wearing a black top and red pants, then reportedly abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot, Lennon said in a statement.

The vehicle that was shot at also left the area and was last seen heading toward Plainville.

Officers with the Plainville Police Department were able to locate the vehicle in the Lowe’s parking lot on New Britain Avenue, according to Bristol police. There were multiple people in the damaged vehicle, though no one was hit by gunfire, police said.

Shortly thereafter, Bristol dispatchers received a call from a resident who said as they arrived home, a male entered their vehicle and said he needed to be brought to Hartford, according to police. The description of the male matched the one provided in the shooting.

“Due to the quick actions of the officers and detectives working in the area, they were able to respond and detain the suspect,” said Lennon. “While taking the suspect into custody, two officers sustained minor injuries.”

Lennon did not identify the suspect, though he said he remains in custody on charges of interfering with an investigation and assault on a police officer. Police are still investigating the shooting and anticipate filing additional charges.

“The Bristol Police Department knows that crimes of this nature cause fear and anxiety for the public,” Lennon said. “Our officers’ quick actions lead to a timely apprehension, but we could not have done this without the help of our public.

“Our citizens provide information that often leads to solving crimes and today this was no different,” Lennon added. “We ask that our community remain patient as this investigation continues and additional charges are applied.”

Witnesses to the shooting or anyone with information has been asked to contact Bristol police at 860-584-3011.