NORWICH - A Norwich man has been arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred July 9 in the parking lot of a local business, according to the City of Norwich Police Department.

"Once a gun is fired, that outcome is left to chance. Especially in this case, that chance could have had devastating consequences," said City of Norwich Police Chief Matthew Roberts. "We were fortunate that no one was injured in a densely populated area of Norwich, where innocent bystanders were only feet away."

Kenneth C. Johnson, 23, of Norwich, was taken into custody following an investigation into the incident that occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. on July 9. Police said no one was injured or struck by the gunfire.

The police chief said detectives identified Johnson as the individual responsible for the shooting through evidence developed during the investigation. Based on that evidence, officers obtained and executed search warrants at Johnson's residence and on his vehicle.

Johnson was located at his residence and taken into custody without incident.

During the search, Norwich police reported recovering multiple firearms, including an unlawfully possessed handgun used in the shooting.

Chief Matthew Roberts said officers worked to identify the suspect and make an arrest before another violent incident could occur.

"That is what accountability looks like," Roberts said, "Reckless acts of gun violence have no place in our community."

Johnson was transported to the City of Norwich Police Department for processing before being arraigned in the Chenango County centralized arraignment court.

He was charged with: first degree reckless endangerment, a Class D felony; two counts of second degree criminal use of a firearm, a Class C violent felony; and second degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony.

Following his arraignment, Johnson was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

- Information from the City of Norwich Police