Man, two teens arrested in West Hartford for shooting toy gun

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

0 3 minutes read

One of the victims was struck in the face, but none were seriously injured, police said. The three suspects each face more than a dozen charges.

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — An 18-year-old, a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested in West Hartford Saturday afternoon for multiple incidents involving a toy gun, according to a news release from West Hartford police .

Police said that around 1 p.m., they received a complaint that the occupant of a black Mercedes Benz had pointed what appeared to be a BB gun at someone sitting outside the Whole Foods on Raymond Road. Shortly after, police received another complaint that the occupants of the black car had shot several people with pellets near the intersection of Bishop Road and Farmington Avenue, according to the release.

One of the victims had been shot in the face, but none of the injuries suffered by the victims were considered serious; they were evaluated at the scene by first responders, police said.

Police say the black Mercedes Benz displayed an incorrect stolen license plate and was found at the intersection of Park Road and Raymond Road. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver initiated a pursuit with police, according to the release.

RELATED: Suspect armed with pellet gun arrested in Hamden after allegedly shooting at officers: police

West Hartford Police successfully deployed a tire deflation device and apprehended the three suspects near 626 Willard Avenue in Newington; two of the suspects are juveniles and one is considered an adult, according to police.

Police said a “Surge XL gel blaster” was found inside the vehicle; the blaster can fire projectiles at speeds between 170 and 250 feet per second, according to the product's website.

Police say Luis Ortiz-Perez, 18, of Berlin, was arrested and held on $250,000 bail while awaiting arraignment in Hartford City Court.

Sign up for FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecasts, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

Ortiz-Perez is charged with 10 counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, one count of interfering with an officer, four counts of risk of injury to a child, one count one count of conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a child, seven counts of third-degree assault in the second degree, one count of conspiracy to commit assault in the third degree, eight counts of second-degree violation of peace and one count of conspiracy to commit second-degree violation of peace.

The two minors have both been summoned and will appear in court depending on their place of residence. They face a long list of charges.

Police said the 17-year-old was charged with eight counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, one count of interfering with a police officer, three counts of risk of injury to a child and one count of conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a child. , seven counts of third-degree assault, one count of conspiracy to commit third-degree assault, eight counts of second-degree breach of peace, and one count of conspiracy with intent to commit third degree assault.

RELATED: Hamden police arrest man following pellet gun incident last month

The 16-year-old faces even more charges, including 10 counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, one count of interfering with a police officer, three counts of risk of injury to a minor, one count of conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a minor, seven counts of third-degree assault, one count of conspiracy to commit third-degree assault, eight counts of second-degree violation of peace and one count of conspiracy to commit second-degree violation of peace, according to police.

The 16-year-old is also charged with three counts of failing to obey a stop sign, one count of failing to drive on the right, four counts of failing to obey traffic lights signage, one count of reckless driving and one count of stealing a license plate, one count of operating an unregistered motor vehicle, one count of insufficient insurance, one count of charge of engaging police in a pursuit and one count of failure to display a license plate, West Hartford police said.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203 or use the anonymous line/email at 860-570-8969 or [email protected] .

“We are extremely grateful that no one was seriously injured during this incident and would like to thank the West Hartford Fire Department and the Newington Police Department for their assistance,” West Hartford Police said in the release.

Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].

Do you have a story idea or something in mind that you want to share? We want to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected].