Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, was not the intended target of gunfire that struck his home at around 7 p.m. Monday, New Haven police said.
A 33-year-old man was shot while walking past Winfield’s home, police said. The victim is in stable condition at Yale New Haven Hospital, officers said.
Detectives are investigating the shooting but believe that Winfield was not the target of the shooting, said a spokesman for the New Haven Police Department. It was a frightening moment for the family, Winfield said on Facebook Monday evening.
“We are ok,” Winfield said in the post. “A couple of bullet holes in the house but we are fine. I really appreciate all the concern. The younger kids didn’t really know what was happening so I let them think it was just us playing so we had to get down low.”
Winfield and his wife have young twins who were home at the time of the incident. He is the co-chair of the Judiciary Committee which deals with criminal justice laws and is known for his ability to get controversial legislation passed. The house was damaged but no one within the home was injured, Winfield said. Fellow legislators were shocked by the news, said Judiciary Committee Co-Chair Steven Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport. “I’ve been in touch with him briefly last night and this morning,” Stafstrom said. “Our thoughts and best wishes go out to him and his family. It is certainly a scary situation.”
Police are still looking for witnesses who have not spoken with detectives. Anyone with information can contact the New Haven Police Department Investigative Services Division at 203-946-6304. Callers can remain anonymous or submit tips anonymously by calling 1-866-888-TIPS(8477), or text “NHPD plus your message” to 274637 (CRIMES).
