New Haven Teen Accidentally Shoots Himself Near Brewery Square

The 16-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police say.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:07pm

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An extreme close-up of a metallic shell casing on a dark, textured surface, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and highlights that convey a sense of the gravity and urgency surrounding this accidental shooting incident.A spent shell casing from an accidental shooting serves as a stark reminder of the need for better gun safety practices.New Haven Today

A 16-year-old boy in New Haven, Connecticut accidentally shot himself in the arm on Friday evening while handling a gun in a Brewery Square apartment. Police responded to reports of the teen being found shot and transported him to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

Gun violence and accidental shootings involving minors are an ongoing concern in many communities. This incident highlights the need for better gun safety education and storage practices to prevent such accidents, especially in urban areas with high rates of gun crime.

The details

According to police, the teen was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and unlawful discharge of a firearm after detectives determined he was the one who shot himself. The circumstances around how the teen obtained the gun are still under investigation.

  • Police responded to the incident around 5:44 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2026.

The players

New Haven Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is investigating the circumstances.

16-year-old New Haven resident

The teenager who accidentally shot himself in the arm while handling a gun in a Brewery Square apartment.

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What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate how the teen obtained the gun and the full details surrounding the accidental shooting.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper gun storage and safety education, especially for families with minors, to prevent accidental shootings and reduce gun violence in the community.