Holly MatkinBristol, CT – Two officers were fatally shot and a third officer was seriously injured while responding to a domestic disturbance late Wednesday night.
The incident occurred in the area of Birch Street and Redstone Hill Road at approximately 10:29 p.m. on Oct. 12, Connecticut State Police (CSP) Sergeant Christine Jeltema said during an emotional press conference early Thursday morning.
Bristol Police Department (BPD) officers responded to the residential area after receiving a 911 call regarding a domestic violence incident between two siblings, Sgt. Jeltema said.
When they arrived, they were “immediately met” by a suspect outside the home,” the sergeant said.
The suspect opened fire, fatally wounding one of the BPD officers and wounding two others.
The officers were able to return fire, killing their attacker.
The two wounded heroes were rushed to a local hospital, where a second officer was pronounced dead, Sgt. Jeltema said.
The third officer suffered serious injuries and remained hospitalized Thursday morning.
The gunman’s brother was also shot in the attack, Sgt. Jeltema said.
He was transported to the hospital in unknown condition.
A source said two BPD officers and a sergeant went to the house after to speak with someone who had been involved in an altercation at Bleachers bar on Middle Street earlier in the night, the Hartford Courant reported.
The source said the officers were ambushed when they arrived.
The suspect’s identity was not immediately released.
UPDATE: 2 officers were fatally shot and 1 is with serious injuries. We ask your thoughts and prayers be with the families, the officer and all those impacted.
— CT State Police (@CT_STATE_POLICE) October 13, 2022
There was a heavy police presence at Bristol Health as officers gathered to await news about their wounded comrades, WFSB reported.
The bodies of the two officers who were killed were escorted from the hospital to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner by a police procession on Thursday morning.
“We ask your thoughts and prayers be with the families, the officer and all those impacted,” the CSP said.
*** BREAKING *** Bristol CT / 3 officers shot – 2 deceased & 1 in serious condition / images outside Bristol Hospital Emergency Room / multiple police agencies present / Bristol FD have raised a flag. @WTNH @LauraHutch8 @gilsimmons @Ash_Baylor pic.twitter.com/FZBNL5A3nx
— George Roelofsen (@GeorgeRoelofsen) October 13, 2022
Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould identified the officers killed in the attack as 35-year-old BPD Sergeant Dustin Demonte and 34-year-old BPD Officer Alex Hamzy.
Sgt. Demonte, a 10-year veteran of the department, leaves behind two children and his wife, Laura, who is expecting their third baby, Chief Gould said.
Officer Hamzy, an eight-year BPD veteran, leaves behind his wife, his parents, and his two sisters.
BPD Officer Alex Iurrato, 26, underwent surgery “for a severe gunshot wound” and is recovering at the hospital, according to Chief Gould.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of the officers involved in the deadly shooting.
“My prayers are with their families, loved ones, and fellow officers,” Lamont said, according to the Hartford Courant. “I also ask the residents of Connecticut to keep in their prayers a third officer who was shot while responding to this emergency and is currently in the hospital with serious injuries.”
“This is a devastating reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day to protect our families and neighbors from all kinds of situations,” the governor added. “These officers are heroes and will always be remembered for the honorable service they provided to their town and their state.”
RIGHT NOW: A huge procession of officers lined up outside Bristol Hospital where firefighters have draped a large American flag. Three officers were shot overnight on Red Stone Hill Road. Live coverage on @NBCConnecticut. #NBCCT pic.twitter.com/6iDi361kyj
— Heidi Voight (@HeidiVoight) October 13, 2022
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