NEW BRITAIN — Ossain A. Gayle, an 18-year-old student at Middletown High School, is facing gun charges following an attempted armed robbery in New Britain on June 30, 2026, which led to an officer-involved shooting. One person sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, according to Alisha Rayner, director of operations for the New Britain mayor's office. Rayner stated that no one else was injured and that the victim's injuries were not life-threatening.

Prosecutors allege that Gayle and another individual fired multiple rounds into a New Britain home during the attempted robbery. A preliminary investigation found that two men approached the victim, who was leaving for work around 5:15 a.m., and fired a gunshot during a struggle before fleeing in a gray-colored sedan.

New Britain police officers received information on June 30, 2026, at 3:05 p.m., about the possible location of individuals connected to the earlier shooting. Rayner noted that an officer located an individual matching the description near the Red Roof Inn on Columbus Boulevard, walking with another male. Detectives attempted to stop both individuals, but they fled on foot. A foot pursuit followed, ending in the east lot of 1 Herald Square, where an officer shot one of the suspects during the pursuit, according to Rayner.

Prosecutors stated in court on July 2, 2026, that Gayle was found in possession of a ghost gun, described as a 3D-printed firearm with no serial number. Rayner reported that a firearm was recovered in the immediate vicinity of one individual, and a second firearm was recovered from the other individual after he was taken into custody. Assistant Public Defender Joshua Perldeiner stated that the detective who issued the call for Gayle to stop fired on the two suspects as they were running away.

A judge set Gayle's bond at $200,000. The Connecticut Office of the Inspector General and the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crimes Squad are conducting an investigation into the shooting. Gayle is scheduled to appear in court on July 17, 2026.