An 18-year-old man from New York City surrendered to authorities Friday in connection with an October 29 shooting at the University of Bridgeport’s Marina Dining Hall in Connecticut. The incident injured a juvenile and led to an hourslong campus lockdown.
Charges and Arrest Details
The suspect turned himself in to Bridgeport police, who had issued a warrant for his arrest. He faces charges of first-degree assault and carrying a pistol without a permit. His bail was set at $250,000, and he was expected to be arraigned later Friday in Bridgeport Superior Court.
It was not immediately clear if the suspect had legal representation, and court records were not yet available.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. inside the Marina Dining Hall. Police reported that the suspect and the teenage male victim, neither of whom were students at the university, had been engaged in an argument over a female. The two had reportedly communicated on social media prior to the altercation.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including a gunshot wound to his right arm and a graze to his chest.
Campus Lockdown and Police Response
The shooting prompted a significant police and campus security response, with the university going into lockdown until the following morning. During their investigation, police recovered a firearm and additional evidence at the scene.
Police Chief Calls for Community Action
Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter expressed concern over the ease with which young individuals can access firearms and the lack of conflict resolution skills.
“This is an example of young individuals’ ability to obtain firearms and their inability to de-escalate or diffuse situations,” Porter stated. “That’s something that we not only as a community here in Bridgeport but as a country, we need to work on our young people better on how to de-escalate and diffuse their situations.”
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather details about the incident. Meanwhile, the University of Bridgeport has worked to reassure students and staff about campus safety, emphasizing increased security measures in response to the shooting.
