A 45-year-old man is dead after he was shot in New Haven on Monday night.
Police said they received 911 calls just before 11:30 p.m. reporting a shooting on Poplar Street, between Lombard Street and Chatham Street, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have identified the man as Luis Fernando Gonzalez-Sandoz, of New Haven. It's unclear what led to the shooting.
On Tuesday morning, police tape blocked off a road in the area and the mayor went to the scene to speak with detectives and neighbors.
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“It’s obviously deeply upsetting. I knock on doors and talk with family members. I call every family member after a homicide and the trauma that our community has experienced right now is deep,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said.
This was the 21st homicide of the year in the city.
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Elicker said in response to all of the violence, the city has reinstated its shooting task force, which works with other towns to solve shootings. The city has also expanded cameras and ShotSpotter technology and increased the number of police on walking and bicycle beats.
The city has also doubled the number of street outreach workers, increased the number of youth engagement workers and opened a re-entry center to engage with people who have a history of incarceration.
“Overwhelmingly. New Haven is a safe place. Most of these incidents are incidents where people know each other and are looking for each other. But even so, I’m personally committed to responding to and making sure that we hold people accountable in ensuring that New Haven is a safe place to live," Elicker said.
Neighbors like Ana Diaz said they're concerned about the recent increase in violence.
While the victim of today's shooting has not been identified publicly, Diaz said her husband spoke with the victim's brother this morning.
She said the man who was shot, "that guy is a good man. He’s working the other corner on Ferry in the Barber Shop, very personable. It’s very sad, especially for the family, especially for the kids, no grow up with your father. It’s not good.”
The shooting remains under investigation and police have not released any information about a possible suspect.
Witnesses who have not yet spoken with the police are asked to call 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).
