A man believed to have recovered two guns from a vehicle after causing panic among hundreds of youth athletes and spectators at a Groton city park Saturday was arrested, police said.
Around 1 p.m., officers received multiple calls reporting someone brandishing a gun at Poconnock Plains Park. At the time of the incident, several youth sporting events were being held at the same time and were attended by several hundred spectators.
Other 911 calls also reported gunshots, police said. Officers from numerous departments including Groton City, Groton-Long Point, Connecticut State Police, Ledyard, Stonington, Norwich, Mohegan Tribal, Mashantucket, New London, University Convention Center, Encon and Willimantic In response to the park.
Investigators say two men were involved in a fist fight on the sideline of a youth sports game. One of the men reportedly returned to his vehicle and bystanders recovered what appeared to be two firearms. Police have not disclosed the actual contents of the items.
Officials announced that this caused panic throughout the crowd, causing hundreds of players and spectators to flee the park in all directions.
In a Facebook post early Saturday afternoon, police said they wanted to clarify reports they had seen on social media and emphasized that the disturbance was not an active shooter incident.
It was later determined that no shots were actually fired into the park.
Two people who were said to have been involved in a fight were located by police and taken into custody. They are believed to be the only people involved in the incident.
Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the park at this time. If you witnessed this incident, please contact police at (860) 441-6712.
