A 19-year-old out on bond for reckless driving is now facing multiple assault charges after allegedly shooting five people in a targeted attack at a Connecticut shopping mall.
At a Glance
- Tajuan Washington, 19, was arrested for shooting five people at a Waterbury mall
- He was already out on $25,000 bond for unrelated charges at the time
- Police say the shooting targeted a man with whom Washington had past conflicts
- All five victims survived; one woman sustained a spinal injury
- Washington’s bond has been set at $2 million as the investigation continues
Personal Dispute Turns Violent
Tajuan Washington allegedly opened fire inside the Brass Mill Center in Waterbury, Connecticut, on Tuesday, targeting a man he had clashed with previously. Armed with a .40-caliber handgun, he fired seven rounds, striking his intended target and four accompanying women. According to police reports, the shooting was not random but stemmed from a long-standing personal dispute.
The attack caused chaos as shoppers and employees scrambled to escape. “I just ran, like everybody ran,” one witness said. Washington fled the scene through a department store exit but later turned himself in while police were monitoring his residence.
Watch a report: Connecticut mall shooting suspect in custody.
Victims Recover, Community Shaken
Three victims were released from the hospital by the following morning. Two others remain hospitalized in stable condition, including one woman who was shot in the spine. Officials stressed the attack was an isolated event and not indicative of broader public safety concerns. “This was a one-off incident. The mall is safe, the city is safe,” said Mayor Paul Pernerewski, adding that local leaders are focused on ensuring residents feel secure.
Police recovered multiple rifles from Washington’s home, though the handgun used in the attack has not been found. Forensic teams are analyzing evidence linked to the firearm. Washington now faces five counts of first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, and other weapons-related charges. His bond has been set at $2 million.
Officials Urge Better Conflict Resolution
The incident has sparked calls for stronger conflict de-escalation efforts. “This is a conflict between people that really displayed poor conflict resolution skills,” said Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo, noting that such patterns are increasingly common in cases of gun violence.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and State Police Commissioner Ronnell Higgins both condemned the shooting, calling for reinforced community safety and accountability. Local residents, meanwhile, expressed concern about mall security and the suspect’s ability to access a firearm despite his prior legal troubles.
As Waterbury grapples with the fallout, leaders have promised to bolster public safety efforts and address systemic gaps that allow for such violence to occur. The case has reignited debate over bail policy, gun access, and the need for proactive intervention before personal disputes escalate into public danger.
