Hammer Wielding Middletown Man Attacks Officer Body Cam Footage Shows

MIDDLETOWN, CT – Middletown Police Department Chief of Police Erik Costa and Mayor Ben Florsheim provided further information on the officer-involved shooting on Aug. 12.

On Aug. 12, around 6:33 a.m. Middletown Police Officers were dispatched to 195 Liberty Street for a man smashing glass in the driveway.

“The first officer to arrive on the scene was Detective Karli Travis, who was working her assigned midnight shift,” Costa said. “When Detective Travis arrived, she exited her patrol car and began approaching the residence on foot.”

Costa said body camera footage showed Detective Travis seeing the suspect, later identified as Winston Tate, who was holding an object in his hand.

“Detective Travis calmly asked the object to be dropped as Tate approached Detective Travis. She gave clear instructions for Tate to drop what we know now was a hammer,” Costa said during a press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 15. “Detective Travis radioed for her backup officers, during which time Tate sprinted towards her and began attacking her violently with the hammer.”

Florsheim said what too often is seen across the country during officer-involved shootings are officers not using or having training they should have used or had at that moment.

“That is the exact opposite of what you will find in the video,” he said. “In the video, you will find evidence of an officer taking life-saving steps for her own sake and the communities sake.”

“Thanks to the training and the good work of the other officer, a tragedy was avoided,” Florsheim added.

Costa said Tate is a convicted felon dating back to 1995.

“In the past five years, he’s been charged with assault and public safety of healthcare workers, breach of peace, interfering, disorderly conduct, carrying a dangerous weapon, and unlawful restraint and was currently on probation for robbery,” Costa said.

Costa said Detective Travis began moving backward to create distance as she drew her firearm while giving verbal commands for Tate to stop.

“Detective Travis fired multiple rounds towards Tate as she was being attacked and knocked to the ground,” Costa said. “While fighting for her life on the ground, Tate continued to strike her with the hammer. Tate then retreated to his residence as additional officers arrived on the scene.”

Costa said the officer quickly surrounded the residence at 195 Liberty St., and Tate was taken into custody.

Detective Travis was treated for her injuries from the hammer strikes.

“Detective Travis is resting at home, and we are praying for her full recovery as we will support her always,” Costa said. “There is no question Detective Travis displayed an extreme act of heroism that saved her own life and the lives of other Middletown police officers and the citizens of this city.”

Costa said the incident highlights the need for state leaders to reevaluate and improve the legal process and programs to ensure safer communities.

“Further, we must value our police officers, state troopers who swear an oath that includes putting their lives on the line by striving for a system that ensures their safety,” Costa said. “Together as a community, we can demand accountability and work towards a safer tomorrow.”