2 West Haven Cops Serving New Haven Warrant Shot, Hurt; Suspect Killed

NEW HAVEN, CT —During a 5:30 a.m. search warrant execution at a 179 Grand Ave., apartment 105, where West Haven cops, their SWAT team, and federal agents were looking for drugs, two officers were shot, and the 35-year-old man subject of the warrant was killed, New Haven police said.

A Task Force including the DEA showed up at the apartment complex and, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson said, "knocked on the door, made entry and the shots began."

Jacobson said that officers "encountered shots" and there was returned fire. He said the suspect was "eventually struck" by gunfire and "succumbed" to gunshot wounds. Jacobson said the two officers were both shot in the leg. He described the incident as a "long scene" and not "just a shots-fired. He was barricaded in a room. More shots were fired. The suspect was not going to retreat peacefully."

Inside the home was a 32-year-old woman "associated with the apartment" as well as an 8-year-old girl and a 52-year-old grandfather.

The Office of the Inspector General has taken over the investigation. Jacobson said, in the coming days, that office will release the body-worm camera footage and the suspect's name.

Mayor Justin Elicker said, "Thank god, officers were not more seriously injured ...and thank goodness the other members of the family are ok. We spoke to the girl and the grandfather this morning. You can just image how terrifying this was for them. We offered them support this morning.

New Haven police had a presence at the warrant execution, according to police spokesperson Officer Christian Bruckhart, Jacobson said, "We sent two officers to assist with the warrant," and added that it's not clear if New Haven cops fired in the event.

The police officers injuries not considered life-threatening, and Jacobson said one has already been released from the hospital. He said they'd both been shot in the leg.

The Connecticut State Police are also on the scene of the shooting, Bruckhart said.

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The West Haven Police Department issued a statement on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.

"On January 29th, at approximately 5:45 am, members of the West Haven Police Street Crime Unit, with the assistance from the DEA were attempting to serve an arrest/ search warrant at an address in New Haven.

During this incident the suspect fired upon police striking two West Haven officers in the legs. Officers returned fire and struck the suspect who succumbed to his injuries. Both officers were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment and were released hours later.

Subsequently, the Office of Inspector General, the Milford States Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Squad have taken over the investigation."