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Conn. Teenager Shot to Death While Riding His Bike

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Police have identified the 16-year-old high school student who was shot and killed while riding his bike in New Haven Monday night.

The teen has been identified as 16-year-old Joshua Vazquez, of New Haven. He was enrolled as a student at Metro Business Academy, according to the district.

"A 16-year-old riding a bike, it doesn't get more vulnerable than that," Mayor Justin Elicker said during a news conference. "I just can't imagine. In an instant, your son is gone."

Police said they were called to Valley Street in the area of Mountain Road and Harper Avenue around 4:20 p.m. and found Vazquez face down on the ground.

He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said the suspects fled in a dark-colored sedan before officers got to the scene.

"It's a very sad day that we lose such a young person to gunfire," Police Chief Karl Jacobson said.

Community members said Vazquez was a gentle, caring and loving person.

"This community is completely broken," Alder Honda Smith said.

New Haven Aldermen

"Joshua was a community person. He fed the hungry, he delivered food to every household here," Smith said. "Joshua was not a gang banger. He had a strict mom that knew his every whereabouts."

People who live in the area remember him as a youth volunteer in a group of teens who cleaned up the area. Smith said Vazquez was a "lawn man" who enjoyed helping the community. She said he cut the grass of every household on Valley Street "even though he didn't have to."

"He took pride in it," she said. He was a well-loved member of the community, Smith said.

Authorities believe somebody talked to Vazquez before the shooting. He was leaving the corner store when a vehicle pulled up, communicated with him, got out and shot him, according to police.

They're investigating whether or not the incident was targeted, but say they don't believe it was random.

"Nobody should be killed in this manner, but for us to lose a 16-year-old in this community, it's terrible," Jacobson said.

Police confirm there was a fight at Metro Business Academy between students and non-students Monday afternoon before the shooting. Officers say it’s too early in the investigation to say whether or not the two incidents are related.

Major Crimes Unit detectives are leading the investigation. Police said they've received good, solid leads and important information from the community. They're asking anyone who might know something to come forward.

Vazquez's death marks the 12th in the city this year. Elicker said the violence needs to stop.

"His family deserves justice, but also someone that can take one person's life can take another person's life," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call New Haven detectives at 203-946-6304. People who want to report information can remain anonymous by calling 866-888-8477 or emailing ECIC@newhavenct.gov.

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