Police Officer Shot on Domestic Violence Call

New Haven Police Department CruiserPhoto byNew Haven Police Department Facebook Page

A domestic violence complaint took a deadly turn in West Haven overnight, resulting in a fatal officer-involved shooting that left one suspect dead and a police officer injured.

The incident unfolded when West Haven police responded to a call at 296 Terrace Ave. shortly before 2 a.m. on Friday, prompted by a reported domestic violence incident.

Providing insight into the sequence of events, Sgt. Patrick Buturla, West Haven police public information officer, revealed, "While conducting this investigation, a male subject produced a firearm and shot an officer in his leg." He added, "A West Haven police officer on the scene returned fire and struck the suspect."

The wounded individual received immediate CPR and on-site medical attention before being rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Concurrently, the injured police officer was transported to a local hospital for further medical assistance. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the officer were deemed non-life-threatening, and a complete recovery is anticipated.

Leading the investigation into the incident are The Office of Inspector General, the Milford State Attorney’s Office, and the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad.

Responding to the tragedy, West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi acknowledged the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers, stating, "This is a reminder of the great risks and selfless leadership our West Haven Police Officers exercise every day to serve and protect our community. I am wishing the wounded officer nothing but a speedy recovery."

At present, the identities of the suspect and the officers involved in the shooting have not been disclosed.

Domestic violence calls represent a highly volatile and perilous situation for law enforcement officers. According to the FBI, approximately 14 percent of officer deaths each year are linked to responding to domestic violence incidents. Moreover, these calls constitute a substantial percentage of the total calls received by police, ranging from 15 to 50 percent, as reported by the National Institute of Justice. Recognizing the inherent dangers, officers undergo specialized training to adopt enhanced precautions, acknowledging potential threats posed by anyone present at the scene.

Understanding the complexities of relationship abuse involves acknowledging its manifestations beyond physical violence. Comprehensive awareness and a nuanced understanding of abusive behaviors are crucial to combatting domestic violence, fostering healthy relationships, and eliminating the associated harm and stigma. This awareness aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

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