Police make 2nd arrest in Danbury mall fight that left girl, 15, wounded

Police have arrested a second person, an 18-yearold man, in connection with a brawl at the Danbury Fair Mall this month during which a teenage girl was shot.

Derek Sotelo, of Danbury, wielded a hammer during a confrontation between two groups in the mall Aug. 11 and is not accused of shooting the girl, police said Wednesday. Sotelo was arrested Tuesday and charged with criminal attempt to commit second-degree assault; first-degree reckless endangerment; inciting a riot; risk of injury to a minor; and breach of peace.

Police said a 14-yearold boy is responsible for firing one shot, hitting the 15-year-old girl in the upper chest. The gunfire sparked fears of a mass shooting and led to the mall’s shutdown. The 14-year-old, who had been carrying a handgun, was arrested within a week. The girl is expected to recover.

She was a part of a group of at least eight teens who were involved in an altercation with another group about 7 p.m. near the Macy’s entrance.

According to police, Sotelo was part of the group that arrived at the mall intending to confront the group that included the 14-year-old boy. Surveillance video showed that Sotelo “presented the hammer as a weapon during the incident.”

Police said they continue to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information about it is asked to contact Det. Paul Carroccio at 203-797-2169 or p.carroccio@danbury-ct.gov. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the tips line at 203-790-8477 (TIPS).