A disturbing incident unfolded on Friday morning at the Gospel Lighthouse Church on Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut, when violence erupted during a funeral service, leaving multiple people injured and the community in shock. The violence, which involved both a shooting and a stabbing, resulted in two individuals being hospitalized, but fortunately, none of the injuries proved fatal.

The Incident: A Deadly Dispute During a Funeral

According to the Hartford Police Department, officers responded swiftly to the scene after receiving reports of a violent altercation inside the church. Upon arrival, police found chaos as a fight had broken out between two families during the funeral service. The dispute escalated quickly, with gunfire exchanged both inside and outside the church, leading to property damage within the church premises.

“We know there were multiple rounds fired inside the church. Multiple rounds inside, there was gunfire outside of the church, multiple rounds. Property damage inside the church. Thank God nobody was killed,” said Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police Department. The intense nature of the violence suggested a sudden breakdown in what was meant to be a solemn occasion.

Victims and Injuries: A Woman and a Man Hospitalized

As a result of the altercation, at least two victims were injured. A woman, who was grazed by a bullet during the shooting, was immediately rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment. A short while later, a man arrived at a nearby hospital suffering from a stab wound. Both individuals, although injured, were expected to recover from their injuries.

Lt. Boisvert further detailed the sequence of events: “While on scene, a female arrived at an area hospital [who] suffered from a graze-type injury from a gunshot wound. A half hour later, a man showed up with a stab wound. There was gunfire inside the church, multiple rounds inside. [There was] gunfire outside the church, multiple rounds.” The scale of the violence was evident, as the shooting and stabbing disrupted what was meant to be a peaceful and respectful ceremony.

Scene of Chaos: 150 People in Harm’s Way

At the time of the incident, approximately 150 people were gathered inside the Gospel Lighthouse Church, many of whom were there to mourn and honor the deceased. The sudden eruption of violence sent the crowd scattering as they rushed to safety. Police were able to secure the area quickly, but the trauma from the events was felt by the entire community.

With evidence of gunfire found both inside and outside the church, the situation was considered highly dangerous. As police investigated, they discovered significant property damage within the church building, adding to the severity of the situation.

The Arrest of Joshua Smellie: Suspect Identified and Apprehended

Following the violent altercation, police worked quickly to identify the suspect responsible for the shooting and stabbing. The individual in question was 34-year-old Joshua Smellie, a resident of Hartford. Authorities were able to locate and arrest Smellie later that evening in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Smellie now faces a series of serious charges in connection with the violent episode. The charges include:

• Assault 1st Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Criminal Use of a Firearm
• Risk of Injury
• Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree
• Assault on an Elderly Person 3rd Degree

In light of the gravity of the charges, Smellie has been held on a substantial bond of $1,000,000, as officials continue to piece together the details of the event and assess the full extent of his actions.

Community Shocked and Saddened by the Violence

The violence during what should have been a moment of mourning has left the Hartford community reeling. A funeral, typically a place of solemn reflection and respect, became the scene of chaos and terror, forcing people to flee in fear. The senseless nature of the violence has sparked widespread concern among residents, many of whom are grappling with the aftermath of the traumatic event.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and are working to understand the underlying causes of the conflict between the two families involved. While Hartford police have assured the public that they are doing everything possible to ensure justice is served, the emotional toll on those who witnessed or were directly impacted by the violence will likely last long after the legal proceedings unfold.

A Grateful Community and Hope for Justice

While it is fortunate that no one was killed in the incident, the events at the Gospel Lighthouse Church have left an indelible mark on the Hartford community. The quick response of law enforcement and the prompt arrest of the suspect, Joshua Smellie, offer some solace to those affected. As the legal process continues, the hope is that justice will prevail and that the community can begin the healing process from the trauma that marred what should have been a day of remembrance.

In the coming weeks, as the case moves forward, more details may emerge, shedding light on the motivations behind the violent altercation. For now, residents and authorities alike are left to reflect on the disturbing events that unfolded in the heart of their city on that fateful Friday morning.