Officer, Suspect Injured During Possible Domestic Incident

MIDDLETOWN, NY — A City of Middletown Police Department officer was shot Saturday while investigating a possible domestic incident. Lt. Jeffry R. Thoelen, the bureau commander of operations for the department, said around 7:40 p.m. the officer was flagged down in front of 28 Myrtle Avenue.

The officer pulled his marked police vehicle to the side of the road to speak with the woman who had requested help.

As the officer tried to get information from the woman about possible domestic violence, a man came out of the home and fired a handgun, striking the officer in the left forearm, police said.

The officer returned fire and struck the man, according to authorities.

The injured officer requested help, and additional officers responded to the scene. They began providing medical help to both the officer and the man. They were taken to Garnet Regional Medical Center, but the man was later taken to Westchester Medical Center in critical condition.

Police said a loaded firearm was recovered from the scene.

In accordance with the Orange County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol, the incident will be investigated by the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Police.

Authorities said the City of Middletown Police Department will provide full cooperation in assisting these agencies with conducting a thorough review of the incident.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler said his office is committed to ensuring that a transparent investigation is conducted into this matter.

“Now, more than ever, it is essential that those who illegally use weapons are held accountable and it is equally important that the public has confidence in the integrity of the investigation and the prosecutorial process,” he said.