Suspect Killed In Police Chase From Norwich To Windham: State PD

NORWICH, CT — A suspect in a Norwich burglary was killed Wednesday morning following a police chase from Broad Street in Norwich to Old Plains Road in Windham, according to Connecticut State Police.

Gunshots were fired during the chase, which prompted a Connecticut State Police investigation of an officer involved shooting, according to state police Trooper First Class Tanya Compagnone. The suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and an autopsy will be conducted Thursday by the state Medical Examiner's office.

During the chase, the suspect tried to carjack several vehicles before finally obtaining one, and fired a gun at civilians and officers, though no other injuries were reported.

Below is the full release from state police describing the incident:

On Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at approximately 10:52 a.m., Norwich Police Department contacted the Connecticut State Police at Troop E to advise that they had shots fired at one of their officers after a suspicious incident in their town.

Norwich Police stated that when they attempted to make contact with the suspect, the suspect shot at officers and fled the scene engaging them in a pursuit onto Interstate 395.

While involved in the pursuit the suspect attempted to carjack several vehicles on the highway and began shooting at civilians. The suspect managed to carjack a vehicle and then engaged police in a second pursuit. This pursuit ended in the town of Willimantic after Connecticut State Police and Willimantic Police successfully utilized stop sticks. Upon making contact with the stop sticks, the suspect vehicle crashed and the suspect attempted to flee on foot, while discharging a firearm at Willimantic Police and Connecticut State Police. Troopers and officers returned fire and the suspect was struck at least once in the abdomen.

Medical attention was immediately provided on scene but the suspect succumbed to the wounds and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel on scene from Windham Hospital.

Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime detectives were requested by the State’s Attorney’s Office to assume the investigation of an officer involved shooting that occurred in this incident.

No police officers or civilians reported injuries during the course of this incident. This incident is an ongoing investigation and as updates become available, it will be disseminated accordingly. There is no threat to the public.

The suspect's identity has not been released as of Wednesday evening.

As a result of the incident, the north and South of the intersection of Route 32 and Plains Road in Windham were temporarily closed for the investigation, in addition to Route 395 southbound between exits 21 and 18.

Additionally, Norwich police posted the following statement Wednesday afternoon on its Facebook page:

"Broad Street will be closed and not open to traffic from Grove Sreet to Baltic Street. The area is safe. However, police are still investigating the earlier reported scene."

Image via Shutterstock

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