Person Shot By Police Officer in Suffield Dies: UPDATE

SUFFIELD, CT — State police are reporting an officer-involved shooting which took place early Thursday afternoon in Suffield. State police confirm that the person shot has died at a local hospital.

The shooting took place on Route 159, just north of the Shamrock Cafe, a police source said. The person who was shot is believed to be the same person who robbed a bank in Enfield late Thursday morning.

Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza said, "We are confident the person who robbed the bank is the same as the person who was shot."

Enfield police were at the scene assisting Suffield officers, with the state police major crime unit joining the investigation, Sferrazza said.

State police said at approximately 12:30 p.m. "during the course of a motor vehicle stop, an interaction occurred with an occupant of the stopped vehicle resulting in an officer firing at least one round striking the party." The Suffield police officer was not shot and was transported to the hospital for evaluation, state police said.

An ID of the person shot and killed is not currently being released until the next of kin has been notified. The name of the officer is also not being released currently, state police added.

Suffield First Selectman Melissa M. Mack said in a statement, "Today's events were tragic. However, I am very grateful that all of our officers were unharmed and through the professionalism of our police department Suffield residents were kept safe today. The Suffield Police Department has turned over the investigation of today's events to the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crimes Unit. I look forward to their swift and thorough investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 860-534-1000 or text TIP711 and any information to 274637.

Check back with Patch for details as they develop in the case.

Photo credit: Suffield Police Department