EMERGENCY SERVICES OPERATION
At 5:40 PM, police were notified of a barricaded person at a private single-family home on Tolli Terrace in the city’s Morse Cove neighborhood. It was soon learned the barricaded person is a veteran New Haven Police Lieutenant, with eighteen years with the department, and currently assigned to the Patrol Division.
Officers were dispatched minutes after the call coming in and the SWAT team and Hostage Negotiators were summoned at 5:51 PM. Mutual aid was requested from the Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Division. Members of that department responded quickly and served as a back-up to the New Haven PD Teams.
Communications by phone were soon established with the despondent department member. He requested help and agreed to come out peacefully. Once Emergency Services personnel, including EMTs from the New Haven Fire Department and American Medical Response, were in place, Townsend Avenue was closed to traffic and neighbors were reached and informed to remain in their homes.
Thankfully, the department member surrendered without further incident and was removed to the hospital. Members of the man’s family had been able to leave the home prior to the response and sought refuge at a neighbor’s home nearby. They were medically evaluated and are in the care of the department.
The Lieutenant will be afforded all available resources, as would anyone in such a situation. A full review of the incident is under way. Criminal charges are likely but have not been filed. The investigation and consultation with the CT State’s Attorney’s Office will determine such matters in the future.
The operation saw no one injured and has concluded. The investigation continues.
This report is made with a heavy heart, as the subject of the investigation is a soft-spoken and highly respected member of our police family. As would any family so affected, they and the members of the NHPD, would expect the courtesy afforded to them as they and we handle the investigation of one of our own.
The New Haven Police Department is not naming the officer until such time the investigation has uncovered more. All further information, as it is related to this case will be released to the public and the press pool, at large, and not upon individual request.
Chief Anthony Campbell said, “I am so thankful that the training and professionalism of all those who performed in such an exemplary fashion today. When officers train, they never know what situation they’re entering into and what it may truly involve – especially those involving a brother or sister officer”. “Today proved that with the right training and the right mindset, officers can perform their duties compassionately, no matter the circumstances, regardless of personal feelings”. “I am pleased with the peaceful resolution and that our officer will now be afforded the care he so desperately wants”., said Campbell
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