Fatal Shooting Addressed By Middletown Leaders, Action To Follow

MIDDLETOWN, CT — In response to a shooting that killed a 25-year-old man and injured a teenager over the weekend in Middletown, Mayor Ben Florsheim said city officials will be working with community organizations to develop a plan for gun violence prevention.

The shooting happened in the area of Highlands Crescent and Stirling Court around 11 a.m. on Sunday. Tylon Hardy was pronounced dead at the scene and a 17-year-old boy was taken to the hospital, according to police. He was in stable condition as of Monday morning.

Florsheim said the incident shows that Middletown is “not immune to a nationwide uptick in gun violence that has already taken too many young lives.”

Florsheim released the following joint statement, along with Acting Police Michael Timbro and Councilman Darnell Ford, on Monday afternoon:

This past Sunday, a young man’s life was lost to gun violence in Middletown, and another was seriously injured. The whole community mourns with the family and loved ones of those affected by this awful tragedy. We thank the first responders whose efforts in the aftermath of the shooting helped to keep the peace, and the investigators who are now working to solve the crime and bring the responsible parties to justice. Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation should contact the Middletown Police Department at 860-638-4147.

These events show that Middletown is not immune to a nationwide uptick in gun violence that has already taken too many young lives. While we believe the shooting to have been an isolated incident, any instance of gun violence in Middletown is one instance too many, and cannot be tolerated without action to stop the next tragedy before it happens. Every gun death is preventable. It is our moral obligation to act preventatively.

Over the coming days and weeks, we will be working with community organizations to develop a plan for gun violence prevention that reflects the new reality we are living in. While we cannot pretend to be insulated from this national trend, the Middletown community has shown during the pandemic that we have the strength to lead the way towards meaningful solutions to the most difficult challenges. Accordingly, we intend to invite the community to be a part of these efforts.

As we mourn a senseless loss, let us also unite in an effort to ensure Middletown is a community where all our residents can live safe, secure, healthy lives.

Mayor Ben Florsheim

City of Middletown

Acting Chief Michael Timbro

Middletown Police Department

Councilman Darnell Ford

Chair, Public Safety Committee

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