Man shot niece in the chest, Springfield police say

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield police have arrested a man who allegedly shot his own niece in the chest early Friday morning.

Sergeant John Delaney told 22News the shooting happened around 1:30 A.M. at 383 Carew Street.

The suspect, 22 year-old Lavell Leroy Lane, allegedly shot the 21 year-old woman who is the daughter of his older sister.

According to Sgt. John Delaney, Lane’s sister told police the shooting happened as her brother was having a heated argument with his girlfriend. She says that as the argument escalated, Lane pulled out a .40 semi-automatic handgun, and threatened the girlfriend with it. The girlfriend tried to get away, and Lane’s niece tried to help her close a door on him. It was then that Lane allegedly fired through the door, hitting his niece in the chest.

Lane was seen leaving the home in a white car, which Springfield police later found pulled over on Massasoit Street, without Lane inside.

They searched the area near the vehicle, and found the suspect hiding a backyard.

Lane faces several charges, including assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at Springfield district court.

Lane’s niece was taken to Baystate Medical Center, where she is listed in good condition.