East Haven police say they're being provoked by young people

East Haven police say they’re being targeted by young people who are looking to provoke violent confrontations.

Police Capt. Joe Murgo says it’s happened twice this week: In one case, a police cruiser was intentionally rammed. In another, feces were thrown at a cruiser.

No one was hurt. The suspects have not been identified.

Murgo says officers are being taunted and harassed, saying, “Over the past few months and across several jurisdictions, we have seen an increase in individuals who are actively seeking out our officers, engaging in threatening behavior and attempting to provoke violent encounters.”

He’s asking parents and guardians to monitor their children and to find out what they’re doing after hours: “We need you to be present in your child’s lives, to engage with them and to ask the tough questions: What are they doing when they’re out of your sight? Who are they spending time with? Are they getting involved with dangerous activities?”

Saying his officers “deserve to their jobs without the constant threat of violence,” Murgo says they’re increasing patrols and “enhancing officer safety protocols.”