Frenchtown Locked Down for 90 Minutes Thursday After Nearby Shooting [Updated]

Update, Friday, May 25

More details have emerged about the incident leading to the Frenchtown Elementary School lockdown Thursday.

On Friday, the U.S. Justice Department said:

"During the course of yesterday’s law enforcement operation, Task Force officers attempted to speak to JEFFREY THOMAS, 21, who was driving a car that had stopped on the side of the road in the vicinity of Old Town Road and Oman Street in Trumbull. As Task Force officers approached, it is alleged that THOMAS put the car in reverse, ramming the Task Force officers’ car behind him.  THOMAS then drove at two FBI agents, who were able to avoid being struck; one of the agents fired his gun in an effort to protect himself and the other agents.  With officers in pursuit, THOMAS drove away but crashed his vehicle.  He fled into a residence on Voight Street, where he was subsequently apprehended," according to a press release.

Update, 4:30 p.m.

FBI Special Agent Daniel Curtin said the FBI was executing federal arrest warrants for narcotics as part of an ongoing investigation.

According to the Connecticut Post, there was a shootout preceding the lockdown. Three suspects appeared in U.S. District Court today and were identified as HassAn Rogers, Rashim Carter and Jamiel Thompson, and were arraigned on federal weapons and drug charges, according to the Post. 

The three are charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and Carter with witness tampering. Rogers is charged with unlawful sale of a gun, the Post stated. All are being held without bond.

Update, 3:20 p.m.

Trumbull Police said they responded to several 911 calls of shots fired in the 900 area of Old Town Road at 8:10 a.m. and that a driver had crashed and fled the scene.

"A secure perimeter was established by both Bridgeport and Trumbull police.  State police responded with their k-9 unit," said Trumbull Deputy Police Chief Michael Harry.

"The incident was generated by the federal task force led by the FBI and it is their investigation.  Trumbull’s involvement, other than assisting in the search for the suspect, is the accident investigation which is still ongoing," Harry said.

Original Story

Frenchtown Elementary School was in full lockdown for nearly 90 minutes this morning after reports of a shooting near the Eaves by Avalon on Old Town Road.

"Please be advised that Frenchtown Elementary School was in full Lockdown mode from approximately 8:15 to 9:35 a.m. this morning," Schools Supt. Ralph Iassogna said in a letter Thursday morning. "This action was necessitated following a shooting incident near Avalon Gates Complex on Old Town Road.  Students on Frenchtown Bus 42 were witness to a portion of this unsettling incident but arrived at the school without any other problems. "

"Since the suspects fled the scene and were not in police custody, Frenchtown was placed in Lockdown and a Trumbull Police Officer was stationed at the school," Iassogna said.

"Both suspects were caught by approximately 9:35 a.m.  You should know that Principal Jackie Norcel, Assistant Principal Diane Strever and the Frenchtown Crisis Team spoke with the students to help allay any anxiety they might have.  As a precautionary measure, a police officer remained at the school for a portion of the day.  Many thanks to Chief Tom Kiely, Lt. Tom Savarese and the Trumbull Police Department who were, once again, outstanding in their response to this incident.  They, the FBI, and the State Police are continuing the investigation," he concluded.

More as the story develops.