A 26-year-old Shelton man fired multiple rounds from an assault rifle on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport during the Tuesday morning rush, sending children walking to school running for safety, police said.
Bridgeport police said a ShotSpotter activation detected three gunshots near Wilmot Avenue at about 8:37 a.m. Seconds later, a man called dispatchers and said he had just fired his gun and did not know whether he had shot anyone.
Officers found Jailan May on Central Avenue wearing camouflage body armor and standing near his car, which had a shattered window and a brick inside.
May told police he had been parked on Stratford Avenue working on his car when he saw a man who had previously threatened him. He said the man began throwing bricks at him and, when his window shattered, May believed he was being shot at and fired his rifle.
Police said video from the city's Fusion Center showed May firing in the direction of children walking to school. The video showed the children running away after the shots were fired. School buses were also nearby.
Students at Dunbar School and Tisdale School reported the shooting to school officials. No students were hurt, and administrators provided counseling to students affected by the incident.
Police said May had an assault rifle, three handguns, numerous magazines and dozens of rounds of ammunition. He had a valid Connecticut pistol permit, which police confiscated.
May was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, illegal discharge of a firearm and illegal sale or distribution of body armor. His bond was set at $500,000.
Police said another vehicle on Stratford Avenue was damaged by a brick.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.