Two Shot Inside New Haven Restaurant; Suspect Arrested on Gun Charges
A 17-year-old and 22-year-old were shot Saturday night; suspect arrested at scene
PublishedMarch 5, 2026
Mugshot of Naquea Bratton
Shooting at New Haven Restaurant Injures Two on Grand Avenue
A 22-year-old East Haven man and a 17-year-old Hamden boy were shot inside a restaurant on the 200 block of Grand Avenue in New Haven around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2026, according to NBC Connecticut and Patch. Both victims were transported to Yale New Haven Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Naquea Bratton, 21, of New Haven, was arrested at the scene and charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, two counts of illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, and larceny of a motor vehicle, Patch reported. Bratton was held on $200,000 bond.
Investigation Reveals Confrontation Inside New Haven Restaurant
According to the police investigation, the 17-year-old juvenile was sitting at a table inside the restaurant when he was approached by Bratton and a second male, New Haven police said. A fight broke out between the parties, during which both the second male and the juvenile were shot.
The 22-year-old East Haven man was struck in the leg during the incident. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and remained under medical care at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Police responding to the scene arrested Bratton and recovered a high-capacity magazine from his pocket. A second firearm was also found at the scene, according to investigators.
Charges and Bond Set for Suspect
Bratton faces multiple charges including carrying a pistol without a permit, two counts of illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, and larceny of a motor vehicle. He was arraigned and held on $200,000 bond.
High-capacity magazines are restricted under Connecticut law, which prohibits the possession of magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The charges against Bratton carry significant potential prison time under state firearms statutes.
The charges filed thus far relate to weapons possession and vehicle theft. Additional charges related to the shooting itself could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Police Expect Additional Arrests in New Haven Shooting Case
New Haven police said the investigation remains active and that additional arrests are expected. The presence of a second firearm at the scene and the involvement of a second male who approached the juvenile's table suggest that at least one other individual was involved in the incident.
No additional suspects had been publicly identified as of March 2, 2026. Police have not released the names of the victims due to the age of the juvenile involved.
Grand Avenue is one of New Haven's key commercial corridors in the Fair Haven neighborhood. The shooting prompted a significant police response to the area on Saturday afternoon.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department's tip line.
