Bethel - Officer Involved Shooting - 10/24/09

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Date: 10/24/09

Time: Approx 1000 Hours

Location: 150 Grassy Plain Street Bethel, CT

Frequency:

Units Operating: Bethel Police, Danbury Police, Bethel EMS, CSP, CSP Western District Major Crime Squad, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Danbury State's Attorney

Weather Conditions: Overcast or rain

Description Of Incident: Reported EDP, suspect attempting suicide then turned weapon on P.O.s.

Reporters:

Writer: SageVigiles

Upon arrival, Bethel PD found a 56-year old man who was "despondent" and "attempting suicide" according to Bethel Police Chief Finch. Subject fled the Officers into the woods where he then leveled a weapon, forcing the Officer to fire upon him. Suspect was pronounced dead at Danbury Hospital and CT State Police are investigating, as they do all officer-involved shootings. CSP PIO LT. Paul Vance reports this appears to be a "Suicide by cop" scenario.

I feel badly for the Officer who was forced into this horrible situation. Sounds like a good shoot, but God knows the trauma that it causes an Officer to kill another man. Hopefully he will be cleared administratively and psychologically and can return to duty soon.

Edited October 25, 2009 by SageVigiles