A student from West Hartford’s Hall High School sustained extremely critical injuries in a shooting incident early Sunday morning in Hartford.

By Ronni Newton

Hartford Police officers on patrol in the Ann Uccello Street area immediately responded after hearing gunfire early Sunday morning, and included among the victims of the shooting was a 17-year-old Hall High School student.

“Earlier today, our community learned of a shooting in Hartford during which others were tragically caught in the crossfire,” West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus said in an email to the community Sunday morning. “It is with a heavy heart that I report that a group of WHPS students are among those impacted and one student sustained serious injuries and is receiving medical care.”

Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert said in a news release that the shooting happened at approximately 1:49 a.m. on Feb. 22, in the vicinity of 181 Ann [Uccello] Street. That area is located just outside PeoplesBank Arena.

According to Hartford Police, the gunshot victim found at the scene was a 17-year-old male, who was unresponsive when police first arrived. He was “transported to an area hospital, where he is listed in extremely critical condition,” Boisvert said.

No further details about the victim have been provided.

In his letter, Vicinus said, “An incident of this magnitude deeply impacts not only the school, but our entire town. When harm touches our young people, it touches all of us. Our hearts are with the student, the family, and everyone impacted by this senseless event. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

In an email to the Hall High School community on Sunday morning, Principal Sarah Isaacs said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the student and family during this incredibly difficult time. We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that has touched our community, and we ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy as they navigate the hours and days ahead.”

Isaacs said the crisis response team had met, and Hall will be open on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for drop-in services and support from clinical staff and school counselors in room F155. “Given the pending weather conditions, we are also arranging for virtual support for any student who may need it. More information on scheduling and requesting that support will be forthcoming,” Isaacs said.

“During this incredibly difficult time, may we hold one another a little closer and respond with the compassion and care that define our community,” said Isaacs. “Please continue to keep those affected in your thoughts, and do not hesitate to reach out if your child needs support. As a reminder, if you or your child are in need of immediate support, please utilize 211 or 988,” she said.

“West Hartford has always been a community that responds to hardship with compassion and resolve,” said Vicinus. “In the days ahead, we will continue to support our students, families, and staff, ensuring that counseling and assistance are available to those in need. Just as importantly, we encourage all members of our community to check in on one another, especially our youth, who may be struggling to process what has occurred.”

According to Hartford Police, there was a second victim, a male in his 20s, who also sustained injuries due to the incident and arrived by private vehicle at an area hospital. He is “listed in critical but stable condition,” police said.

The incident is now under investigation by the Hartford Police Department Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions. “This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Tip Line: 860-722-TIPS (8477),” police said.

“In moments like this, the strength of a community is measured not only by its response, but by its care for one another. We will move forward together with empathy, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our children,” Vicinus said.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.