Shooting has left one dead

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police say around 2 a.m. Sunday, two women were shot at on the patio of the Mai Thai Restaurant and Bar on Laurel Hill Ave. One of them died and the other suffered non-life threatening injuries.

It's a scene that many people in the Norwich neighborhood feared would happen at some point.

"I wish this place shut down," said Thomas Lee Moore, a neighbor.

There were three ambulances that showed up and probably 12 Norwich police officers all lined up along the road. Even two state police showed up.

Hours later, police and the Connecticut Major Crime Squad are still investigating. Police say the women, from the area, were not the intended targets. The suspects are also from the area.

"It's funny. Right before this weekend, I literally said to my buddy somebody's going to get shot out here," said Moore. "Because there were three guys out here screaming and arguing with another guy. Next thing you know, the guy is on the phone. I thought that was the night there was going to be a drive-by."

Another neighbor who lives up the hill says she's had a bad feeling for quite a while. So, when she heard the shots fired, she wasn't at all surprised.

"I was in the middle of sleeping and I heard it sounded like a firework," said Kristina Kowalewski, another neighbor, "and then two of them, a couple minutes later one of them."

Like Moore, she too heard last weekend's commotion.

"I was going to call the cops," explained Kowalewski, "I should have."

Neighbors say something needs to change. After this they don't feel safe living near the bar.

"This is what it takes, said Moore, "somebody to get shot out here." 

Anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting is encouraged to call the Norwich Police Department, at (860)886-5561, the anonymous tip line at (860)886-5561, extension 500 or e-mail crimetips@cityofnorwich.org