WATERBURY — Police say they have arrested a 19-year-old man suspected in a robbery at Bucks Hill Market on Sunday morning during which an employee was shot.
Tony Dupre is charged with criminal attempt at murder, first-degree robbery, larceny and interfering with an officer.
The victim suffered a serious, but not life-threatening injury, police said. He was treated at Waterbury Hospital before being transferred to Hartford Hospital where he remains in serious condition, police said.
The robbery occurred around 11 a.m. at the Bucks Hill Market, located at 846 Boyden St. Officers spotted Dupre in the area of Walnut and Cherry streets.
Neighbors who live around Bucks Hill Market say they neighborhood is typically safe and that they are shocked by the shooting.
“It’s very upsetting, very uncalled for — very saddening news someone was hurt today,” said Tommy Samolis, who lives in the Bucks Hill neighborhood.
Dupre was taken into custody after a foot chase. He is being held on a $750,000 bond at the Waterbury Police Department.
People living in the nearby Laurel Estates Apartments complex say the Bucks Hill Market, located within the Bucks Hill Plaza, is their community convenience story.
Many longtime residents who frequent the Bucks Hill Market say they know the male employee who was shot.
“I knew him pretty well. He was nicest guy you’d ever want to meet in your life. Things happen to the nicest people,” said Martha Bronke, a resident of Laurel Estates Apartments.
“He’s a nice, humble guy, good to people,” said Shirley Planas, a resident of Laurel Estates.