Man Who Allegedly Stabbed Department of Defense Officer at Groton Sub Base Charged

A man who reportedly stabbed a Department of Defense police officer at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton is now facing federal assault charges.

United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Deirdre Daly announced today that Gary Ray Brunache, 35, of Norwich is being charged with assault of a federal officer, which carries with it a maximum prison term of 20 years. He is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the U.S., which carries a maximum term of 10 years.

Brunache allegedly approached three of the officers outside of Building 500 on Thursday and proceeded to swing a knife at one of the officers, according to the criminal complaint. Another officer pepper sprayed Brunache in an effort to subdue him.

Brunache allegedly turned his attention to that officer and stabbed him in the right thigh area. The original target officer then fired about three rounds from his pistol, which missed. Brunache was eventually subdued by other means.

The matter is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, Connecticut State Police and the Groton and Norwich police departments.

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