Norwalk Police Officers of the Month Arrested Armed Man, Didn't Have to Shoot

When Norwalk police Sgt. Garrett Kruger and Officer Kelly Haddy responded to a hold-up alarm at the Mobil gas station at 31 North Ave. on Feb. 5, the convenience store clerk pointed out the robber, then just leaving.

The clerk indicated that the man had a gun, and the suspect was reaching into his waistband.

What the officers did next is what earned them recognition as Officers of the Month, according to a news release from the Police Department (which is where the information for this article was found -- the account of the arrest includes accusations against the suspect that have not been proven in court).

The officers chased after the man as he reached in his waistband, and they ordered him to show his hands. He pulled a handgun from his waistband and threw it on a nearby snowbank. As Kruger and Haddy tried to take the suspect into custody, he violently fought with them.

The officers used a taser on him and took him into custody. He was later identified as Jose Rodriguez. They also took the firearm — which turned out to be a facsimile — and found the items stolen from the store on him.

Since his arrest, Rodriguez has been in jail in lieu of paying a $50,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty and is next scheduled to appear April 10 in state Superior Court in Norwalk.

“Chief [Thoms] Kulhawik stated that these officers showed resolute bravery, decisiveness and strenuous physical action in the apprehension of Rodriguez,” the news release said. “The Chief also thanked the officers for their discipline and restraint in taking this dangerous criminal off the streets of our city.”

Photo (contributed; from left): Police Commissioner Fran Collier-Clemmons, Chief Tom Kulhawik, Officer Kelly Haddy, Police Commissioner Charlie Yost, Sergeant Garrett Kruger and Mayor Harry Rilling.