2 Somerville Cops Awarded Combat Cross For Response To Shooting

SOMERVILLE, MA — Two Somerville police officers are being recognized for their actions following a fatal shooting July 14.

Officers Christopher Collette and Steven Johnson were the first to arrive at the scene, where they confronted to the suspect, who was still armed, police said.

"Officers Collette and Johnson drew their firearms and approached the suspect, ordering him to drop the firearm and to lay on the ground," Police Chief Charles Femino said in a statement. "The suspect bent slightly, dropping the firearm and laid on the ground. Officer Johnson maintained a tactical cover as Officer Collette secured the firearm and placed handcuffs on the suspect."

Collette then rushed into the home, where he found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, police said. He attempted to save the victim, who ultimately succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect, 26-year-old Edson Moreno, was taken into custody without incident. Investigators believe an argument between him and his roommate, 22-year-old Robert Favreau, led to Favreau's killing.

"Officer Christopher Collette and Officer Steven Johnson demonstrated tremendous control and de-escalation techniques in a volatile situation with an armed suspect," Femino said. "These officers exemplify the long history of professionalism within the Somerville Police Department."