Another Arrest Made In Vernon Brawl-Shooting Investigation

VERNON, CT — Vernon Police have charged a fourth person in connection with a May 2 fight that wound up being a precursor to a shooting nine days later at the Park West Apartment complex.

A suspect described by police as a "juvenile male" surrendered Monday morning in connection with the fracas and was turned over to juvenile authorities, police said.

One adult and two juveniles have already been charged in connection with the May 2 incident.

The juvenile arrested Monday, just like the other two, is facing charges of second-degree assault and conspiracy to commit second-degree assault. One of the juveniles previously arrested faces an additional charge of carrying a dangerous weapon.

The adult charged in the case, 20-year-old Javon Nelson, of Vernon, is accused of second-degree assault and conspiracy to commit second-degree assault, records show.

Detectives said in a warrant that the May 2 assault was part of an ongoing feud between "two rival groups of young men" that has escalated over the years from fist fights to stabbings to shootings. The May 2 brawl led to a shooting at Park West on May 11, and several people have been charged in connection with the shooting, including a 17-year-old with attempted murder.

Police seized several cell phones as part of the shooting/brawl investigation and Nelson's number, known to police already, surfaced in a group chat called "Da Shootas," according to a warrant.

Dialogue in the group chart shows several teens planning the May 2 attack on a rival teen. Video from a confiscated phone also shows an assault taking place that date and Nelson was identified as a participant, according to a warrant.

The cases remain under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call Vernon Police at 860-872-9126.

State law prohibits police from releasing the names of juveniles.