Man arrested after stabbing, shooting during funeral service at Hartford church
A suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting and stabbing during a funeral service in Hartford on Friday, officials said.
Joshua Smellie, 34, of Hartford, has been arrested and is charged with first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal use of a firearm, risk of injury, first-degree reckless endangerment, and third-degree assault on an elderly person, according to the Hartford Police Department.
Officers said Smellie was located during the evening hours Friday in Waterbury and taken into custody by the Hartford Police Violent Crimes Unit and Fugitive Task Force. He was arrested and transported to a Hartford police detention facility for processing.
The arrest comes after officers responded to The Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church, located at 2003 Main St. in Hartford, on numerous 911 calls reporting gunfire inside the church Friday morning. Police said they found evidence of gunshots both inside and outside of the church. Police said a 'melee' had broken out during a funeral service with an estimated 150 people in attendance.
The shooting is believed to be the result of an altercation between family members inside the church, police said.
Two people suffered non life-threatening injuries, including a woman who arrived at an area hospital suffering from a graze-type gunshot wound. A second victim, not identified as a man or woman, also arrived at an area hospital suffering from an apparent stab wound. That person's wound was also described as non-life-threatening, officials said.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, police said.
Anyone with any information regarding the case is asked to call the HPD Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
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