Police: Teenager will be charged in homicide

ANSONIA — A 17-year-old boy from Ansonia was taken into custody last week in connection with the homicide of 20-year-old Johnny Class on April 5, according to the Ansonia Police Department.

Officers said they obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect the day of the homicide but he wasn’t taken into custody until Friday in North Carolina. Police said the teenager fled the state shortly after the shooting.

As of Tuesday, the teenager is detained and awaiting extradition proceedings. Once he returns to Connecticut, the suspect will be charged with felony murder, murder and robbery, according to police.

The teenager will be arraigned in juvenile court and the case will be transferred to adult court for prosecution, police added.

Police did not identify the suspect, but said his name will be released when the case is transferred to adult court.

Police are still investigating the incident and anticipate to make more arrests.

The incident took place on April 5. Police said a man called them shortly before 1 p.m. to report that his friend, later identified as 20-year-old Class, was shot on Main Street near Kingston Drive.

At the scene, police found Class in the passenger seat of a silver Honda suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers provided first aid to Class until an ambulance arrived. Class was then taken to a local hospital and died as a result of his injuries, police said.

Police’s initial investigation suggested the shooting took place “during an attempted drug purchase” on Hubbell Avenue near Sixth Street. A suspect shot into the Honda and struck Class. The Honda then fled the scene and called 911, according to police.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by going to www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553.