Shooting investigation in New London sends school into ‘secure mode’

NEW LONDON, CT (WFSB) - A school in New London was put in “secure mode” because of a nearby shooting investigation.

The investigation was at the intersection of Franklin and Hempstead streets. Police said shots were fired at a vehicle around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

“First thing that went through my mind was to get the customer I was working with, and the vehicle, safe and sound,” said Dom, a tow truck driver and eyewitness.

Dom was working a job a little after eleven this morning near Hempstead and Franklin Streets when he heard a gunshot.

“I ducked behind the vehicle and waited until I could get a decent eye on the guy, the suspect,” Dom said.

He hid with the customer he was working with and called 911.

Moments later, police arrived and started searching for the suspect.

While this occurred, C.B. Jennings International Elementary Magnet School on Mercer Street was put into secure mode. The mode was lifted early Wednesday afternoon.

“Secure mode is a little different than a lockdown in which there’s no one going in or out of the building, just because the schools are in close proximity,” said Captain Matt Galante, New London Police.

Before the mode was lifted, New London Public Schools sent a note out to the school community:

The central office for the school district on Williams Street was also said to be in secure mode. It too had the mode lifted.

It is the second time schools in New London have been impacted by violence in just one week.

Last Thursday, New London High School was put into lockdown after shots were fired nearby.

Police say the shooter in todays incident is a man who fired at a moving black Hyundai Sonata.

“We don’t have any information on who was in the vehicle, even if anyone was injured,” Galante added.

Dom is thankful he and people in that busy neighborhood are okay.

“I just told the guy get in his car and get out of the area, that way no body was injured. Or in case the guy came back nothing would happen,” said Dom.

Police are keeping an eye out while on patrol for that black Hyundai with a busted window.

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