3 Homes Searched, 3rd Suspect Sought In Vernon Shooting Case

VERNON, CT — Vernon police searched three homes Wednesday night in connection with a shooting at a local apartment complex and have identified a third suspect in the case.

Vernon Police department spokesman Lt. William Meier said three warrants were secured for the homes as part of a joint investigation with the Tolland County State's Attorney's Office.

The addresses were not disclosed because of the active status of the investigation, Meier said. He did say the homes are believed to be connected to the shooting and the preceding brawl at the Park West housing complex on Terrace Drive.

The suspect has not yet been arrested, Meier said. He added the suspects in the case are believed to have taken part in previous criminal incidents in the Rockville section of Vernon.

The victim in the case, only officially identified as an "adult teen" by police because of privacy laws and the ongoing investigation, was in serious condition at Hartford Hospital Wednesday. Police said he likely knew the assailants.

The incident took place at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The victim was found at the scene with gunshot wounds and was bleeding badly, police said. The victim was first taken to Rockville General Hospital and then was airlifted from the RGH helipad to Hartford Hospital, authorities said.

Two teens have been charged in connection with the shooting and a scuffle that broke out beforehand, police said. One was an underage teen whose name is exempt from disclosure under state law.

The other has been identified by police as 18-year-old Dejon Miller. Each was armed with what police described as a "club" and the juvenile also had a bat during the altercation, according to a police report.

Police said the investigation remains active and anyone with information on the incident can call them at 860-872-9126.