“19-Year-Old Victim in Critical Condition After Early Morning Shooting”

An early morning shooting at a convenience store in New London, Connecticut has left a 19-year-old man in critical condition. The incident occurred at the H&T Mini Mart at 1 Ocean Ave., near the intersection of Bank Street. The victim was driven to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital before the police arrived and was later transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital for treatment.

According to the police, three male suspects were seen fleeing the scene on foot. They are currently being sought by the authorities. In a statement, the police mentioned that the shooting does not appear to be a random act, suggesting that the victim may have been targeted.

Less than an hour after the shooting, the police made two arrests on weapons charges. A car was stopped at around 3:44 a.m. in the area of Bank Street and Ocean Avenue. One of the passengers, 18-year-old Ezekiel Catala, tried to escape on foot but was eventually apprehended. Catala dropped a handgun in the car before fleeing. The second passenger, 18-year-old Syaire Wilson, was also found to be in possession of a handgun.

Interestingly, Wilson was already out on a $150,000 bond after being charged by Waterbury police in December with illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and illegal transfer or purchase of a pistol or revolver. The New London Police Captain, Matthew Galante, stated that the two cases appear to be unrelated but are still under investigation.

Catala is now facing charges of carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, weapon in a motor vehicle, and interfering with police. Wilson, on the other hand, is charged with carrying a pistol without a permit and weapon in a motor vehicle.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident has left the community shocked and concerned about the rise in gun violence in the area. Authorities are hopeful that they can apprehend the suspects and bring justice to the victim and his family..