New Haven PD Captain Shot: Chief Puts All Cops On The Case

NEW HAVEN, CT — City Police, officials and members of the community promised not to rest until the person who critically wounded Capt. Anthony Duff and killed another person is brought to justice.

“We are going to expend every resource available to us to bring you to justice, every single chief, every single command member, every single member of this department will be working this investigation,” said Chief Otoniel Reyes.

Duff, a 24-year veteran of the police department and its public information officer was off-duty Monday night when he came across a shooting in progress near Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street. He called the incident in and exited his vehicle to pursue the suspect, Reyes said.

The suspect then turned around and shot Duff several times. Duff managed to call in that he was shot and other officers quickly responded and helped save his life, Reyes said. He is expected to make a full recovery.

The other shooting victim hasn’t been positively identified by police and his next of kin hasn’t been notified yet.

“Yesterday was a very difficult day for this department, to hear one of our own struggling for his life,” Reyes said. “Even off- duty he was honoring his badge, honoring his commitment, honoring his oath is something that has impacted us tremendously.”

The State’s Attorney’s office is spearheading the investigation since an officer was involved in the incident.

Reyes thanked community members that have already come forward with information and have offered their best wishes for Duff and the police department. He also urged members of the media to vet information through his office or the State Attorney’s office after an outlet erroneously reported that the suspect had been captured.

Mayor Toni Harp said Duff’s decision to confront a shooter off-duty speaks volumes about his non-stop commitment and personal valor. She said the community also mourns for the victim who was killed and that she hopes he is identified soon so she and the police can meet with his family.

Anyone with information is urged to contact New Haven Police at 203-946-6316.