NEWS RELEASE
Date: June 28, 2019
Contact: Captain Ronald Smith
Phone: (203) 230-4029
PIO#: 19-90
On June 28, 2019 at 8:54p.m. Hamden Police responded to a Choate Avenue residence on the report of a “large group/large party.”
Upon arrival officers observed approximately 500 people gathered at 937 Choate Avenue. Officers promptly advised the large gathering to disperse. The homeowner and guests were cooperative and began to leave without incident.
Moments later, while 3 officers were standing by in the area, multiple gunshots were fired into the crowd. Several hundred people ran past the officers “yelling in panic.” Officers located 4 gunshot victims at the scene. Hamden Police and Hamden Fire Department personnel quickly rendered medical assistance. The victims were transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital by American Medical Response. Officers learned that a 5th gunshot victim was driven to Yale-New Haven Hospital by a friend. The severity of the injuries, concerning the 5 victims is unknown at this time.
Officers from the Connecticut State Police, North Haven Police Department and Cheshire Police Department were summoned to the scene and assisted in dispersing the large crowd.
Hamden Police searched the area for the suspect. A K-9 track was conducted, which was unsuccessful. The person responsible for the shooting is described as a black male, 20’s, facial hair located on his chin, wearing dark jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hamden Police Department Detective Division at (203) 230-4000. Hamden Police urge any guests that attended the party and recorded the shooting and/or any individuals that were in attendance at the party to contact us.