Drive-By Shooting Attempt Prompts School Lockdown in Willimantic

Authorities flocked to Valley Street in Willimantic after gunfire rang out near a school for young children in an apparent drive-by shooting attempt Wednesday afternoon.

Police said a passenger in a car fired shots around 3:30 p.m. near the Windham Early Childhood Center, just a few hundred feet from Windham Hopsital. Two people were on the sidewalk at the time but no one was hurt.

"There were two pedestrians that were walking down the street, that reported a vehicle pulled up, shots were fired at the pedestrians," said Willimantic police spokesman Cpl. Stanley Parizo.

The Windham Early Childhood Center nearby at 322 Prospect Street locked down immediately, and police went to check on the well being of the children.

"Willimantic police officers responded, went into the school, provided security for the students within the school until we made sure that there was no assailant in the general area," Parizo said.

Investigators collecting evidence discovered a number of spent shell casings, according to police.

Police are asking anyone who saw or heard anything to come forward with information.

No additional information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

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