Cause of Danbury Police Officer's Death Released

DANBURY, CT — The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Tuesday afternoon that Danbury Police Sgt. Drew Carlson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, a member of the office confirmed with Patch. Carlson's death has been ruled a suicide.

Carlson died after barricading himself inside the Wyndham hotel in Southbury Sunday afternoon. State Police said officers tried to make contact with Carlson, 38, who was a registered guest at the hotel. Attempts to make contact were unsuccessful and a State Police tactical unit gained entry and found Carlson dead, State Police said.

Multiple media reports, including the News Times, indicate Carlson joined the Danbury force in 2004 and rose to the rank of Sergeant in 2016. Chief Patrick Ridenhour told the publication the department is asking for "prayers and privacy at this time."

Just two days after Carlson's suicide death, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly announced an online messaging campaign aimed at bringing awareness to the rate of suicide among law enforcement. The Police Suicide study estimates there are an average of 130 law enforcement professionals that commit suicide every year.

“The hard truth is that every year far more police officers take their own lives than are killed in the line of duty by criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly in a statement released Tuesday. “This is not surprising when we consider the relentless demands and undeniable toll of the job. Police work draws people of exceptional courage and humility. But far too many officers suffer in silence unable to seek the help they need. We need to do everything we can to prioritize the well-being of all law enforcement officers.”

Area police departments have been offering words of support to the Danbury Police Department following Carlson's death. Several area departments took to social media to send well wishes to Danbury following Carlson's death Sunday.

Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Unit was called in to investigate the cause and manner of death. No foul play is suspected.

Image via the Wilton Police Department