"This press release is to provide preliminary information regarding the fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on January 2, 2020. This information is the best information available at this time. Please remember that this investigation is ongoing and preliminary information is subject to change. However, in keeping with our goal of transparency, it is important for us to share this information with the public.
"On January 2, 2020 at 7:35 pm Ansonia Police received a walk-in complaint from a female who reported that her boyfriend, who had become physically aggressive, was at the residence in violation of a full no contact protective order. Officers went to 81 Myrtle Avenue to speak to the male and to take him into custody for violation of a Protective Order. The Protective Order was issued on November 18, 2019 following a November 16 Domestic Violence Arrest with the same female.
"During the course of the investigation officers entered the house and were confronted by the unwanted male brandishing a knife. Officers attempted to verbally de-escalate the situation and the male retreated further into the house. The officers continued to try get the male to comply with orders to drop the knife. The male refused to drop the knife and officers deployed a Taser, which had no effect as the male advanced toward them. The male then ran toward officers with the knife in hand. Officers made every attempt to create distance between themselves and the unwanted male/subject.
"An officer on scene then discharged at least one round from his firearm, striking the male.
"Officers were then able to disarm the male, rendered immediate medical assistance and Ansonia Rescue and Medical Service transported the male to Griffin Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
"The CT State Police and the Danbury State’s Attorney Stephen Sedensky were called to investigate the shooting and the case has been turned over to the CT State Police Western District Major Crime Squad.
"Fortunately, Ansonia Police officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The videos have been supplied to the CT State Police and will be released as soon as possible.
"All further press releases and requests for information will be handled by the CT State Police.
"We trust that this shooting will be properly investigated and we will wait for a finding from the State’s Attorney’s office."
Chief Andrew Cota III
"On January 2, 2020 at 7:35 pm Ansonia Police received a walk-in complaint from a female who reported that her boyfriend, who had become physically aggressive, was at the residence in violation of a full no contact protective order. Officers went to 81 Myrtle Avenue to speak to the male and to take him into custody for violation of a Protective Order. The Protective Order was issued on November 18, 2019 following a November 16 Domestic Violence Arrest with the same female.
"During the course of the investigation officers entered the house and were confronted by the unwanted male brandishing a knife. Officers attempted to verbally de-escalate the situation and the male retreated further into the house. The officers continued to try get the male to comply with orders to drop the knife. The male refused to drop the knife and officers deployed a Taser, which had no effect as the male advanced toward them. The male then ran toward officers with the knife in hand. Officers made every attempt to create distance between themselves and the unwanted male/subject.
"An officer on scene then discharged at least one round from his firearm, striking the male.
"Officers were then able to disarm the male, rendered immediate medical assistance and Ansonia Rescue and Medical Service transported the male to Griffin Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
"The CT State Police and the Danbury State’s Attorney Stephen Sedensky were called to investigate the shooting and the case has been turned over to the CT State Police Western District Major Crime Squad.
"Fortunately, Ansonia Police officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The videos have been supplied to the CT State Police and will be released as soon as possible.
"All further press releases and requests for information will be handled by the CT State Police.
"We trust that this shooting will be properly investigated and we will wait for a finding from the State’s Attorney’s office."
Chief Andrew Cota III
