North Haven Explosion: 9 Officers Injured After Long Standoff

NORTH HAVEN, CT — An explosion during a standoff with a barricaded man shook a quiet neighborhood and injured nine SWAT officers Wednesday night in North Haven. In a Thursday morning update, Yale-New Haven Hospital said they were treating nine patients from last night's explosion and are were listed in fair condition. The injured officers include five from East Haven, three from North Haven and one Branford police officer. The members were all part of the South Central Regional SWAT team.

State Police spokeswoman Kelly Grant said human remains were found inside of one of the structures on the property. She could not say whether the remains were of the suspect and said the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the identity and it will be released pending next of kin notification.

Four of the injured officers have been treated and released from the hospital, North Haven Police said in an update on Thursday afternoon.

“We would like to thank the staff at Yale New Haven Hospital, Emergency Medical Responders, and our local, state, and federal Law Enforcement partners, for the assistance provided following the explosion that occurred last night,” police said in a post on Facebook. “We truly appreciate all of the support from the community both locally, and nationwide. Last night, the South Central SWAT Team was approaching a structure when a large explosion caused several injuries. In total, 10 team members suffered injuries, and nine were transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for emergency treatment. Four of the officers have been treated and released from the hospital, and five are still being treated for a variety of trauma related injury.

“All of your thoughts and prayers have made this horrific experience a little easier for the family, and loved ones of the injured officers.”

A section of Quinnipiac Avenue in North Haven remains closed as the investigation is ongoing. Grant stressed during Thursday morning press briefing that it remains a very active investigation and more details will be shared later. North Haven Police say they expect to have a strong presence in the area through late Thursday as they investigate.

The incident began when police responded to a man barricaded inside a house in the 300 block of Quinnipiac Avenue at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Shortly after 8 p.m. neighbors and media at the scene reported hearing a loud explosion originating from the suspect's property and nearby homes were shaking from the force of the blast. The fire was still raging on the property early Thursday but had been extinguished by 8 a.m.

North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda told media outlets that a barn on the property exploded as police were negotiating with the barricaded man. Freda told Fox 61 that the situation began as a domestic disturbance and the accused may have held his wife hostage for an extended period of time. Freda said in an update late Wednesday night that the wife had escaped from the home. State Police said Thursday that the wife was not present in the home when officers arrived Wednesday and that the suspect was alone in the house.

The Hartford Courant citing sources said the suspect had held his wife, who had filed for divorce, hostage for several days but she was able to contact police around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. The wife had been badly beaten, the Courant reports, and she is in the hospital.

Earlier in the night, police were heard urging "John" to come out of the house at about 9:30 p.m. Officers were using a megaphone to communicate with the suspect.

Freda said he was grateful that there were no fatalities in the incident. North Haven Police thanked all of the officers and emergency responders who helped with this investigation. They said it's clear this incident's impact goes way beyond just North Haven.

“Our hearts go out to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line, and we wish those injured a safe and speedy recovery,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement. “Yesterday’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence is a serious issue that must continue to be addressed and remain at the forefront of the national conversation. If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, please know that you have a voice and there are resources available to help.”

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said they are “grateful to the emergency workers and first responders who were on the scene last night and today.”

“For those who were injured in the line of duty, you have our deepest appreciation for having put your lives on the line for your community,” Wyman said. “I applaud the woman who reported this incident, she showed tremendous bravery and courage. Her actions may have saved lives, including her own.”

The Madison 911 Emergency Communications Center posted at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday that several Madison Police officers responded to the scene in North Haven following the "explosion."

"Police had been on scene for a barricaded subject inside a home," Madison 911 Emergency Communications Center said. "Initial report of about 5 officers injured; now being told the injuries were non-life-threatening. All Madison officers are safe and accounted for. Our thoughts are with all the North Haven and mutual aid responders."

Several residents have commented on the Police Department's Facebook page Wednesday night that they heard an explosion and it shook their houses. Residents posted pictures from the scene showing a house engulfed in flames.

One neighbor told Patch, "It’s just so scary.. when it blew up ... it shook our house .. this is like so unusual ... in our neighborhood. I’m just praying they don’t have kids."

This story will be updated when more information is available.

Photo credit: Mygen Alfafara