Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. More than a month after two Connecticut police officers were killed and another wounded in an apparent ambush, few details have been released about the investigation and whether any charges will be filed against the shooter's brother. Police determined it happened on the Bristol side of Camp Street on arrival. Again, please be patient as the scene is still very active and fluid, UPDATE: There were 3 officers involved in this OIS. "Our hearts are broken but our service to our citizens is everlasting. Nathaniel, who was wounded in the shooting. We will provide a press conference as soon as we can. This is a developing story. CSP PIO is on scene in Bristol at an officer involved shooting. Some dozens of shots were fired over the course of two minutes as the Bristol officers were slain Wednesday night, according to security video obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media. Connecticut Public's Jennifer Ahrens, Joe Amon, Matt Dwyer, Frankie Graziano, Patrick Skahill and The Associated Press contributed to this report. On Oct. 14, people gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the Bristol Police Department. Spring & Summer at Mt. Alex Hamzy were killed Oct. 12 in an apparent ambush. WebBristol police said Sgt. Dustin DeMonte was a catcher on the Middletown High School baseball team, graduating in 2005 and then earned a bachelor's degree in criminology at Central Connecticut State University, his brother said. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bristol Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (860) 314-4561. Those shots were clearly audible on surveillance video obtained by FOX61 from a nearby homeowner, "The shooting was so loud and fast that I actually thought the shooting was happening in my own complex," said Schalitda Strong, a neighbor of the suspect. Dustin Demonte & Officer Alex Hamzy, who were killed when they were lured into a premeditated and senseless act of violence on Wednesday night. Hamzy was pronounced dead on the scene. U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, noted the dangers faced by law enforcement as he offered condolences for the deaths of the Bristol police officers. Web131 North Main Street Bristol, CT 06010 Phone: 860-584-3011 Crime Watch E-mail Anonymous Tips Line: (860) 585-TIPS (8477) The outpouring of love, support and prayers from so many is deeply appreciated, Hamzy's family said in a statement. BRISTOL, CT (WFSB) - Tragedy struck the city of Bristol and two officers were killed in the line of duty 12 days ago. I spoke with the family today, and assured them they will be able to stay in the home where they have made so many memories.". Always there to bring a smile to peoples faces, very almost comedian-like.. Bristol police will hold a second public vigil in the aftermath of Wednesday night's fatal shooting that killed Sgt. He is definitely a hero my hero and I will miss him more than you will ever know. Officer Alex Hamzy, 34, was hired by the Bristol Police Department in 2014 and also assigned to the patrol division. by: Samantha Stewart, Olivia Lank, Jenn Brink, Braley Dodson. There is also a vigil planned for Friday at the Bristol Police Department. NBC Connecticut. Dustin DeMonte, who graduated from the school in 2010 with a degree in criminology. And as those young families grow up, I just pray for them and [I'm] so sorry for their loss.. Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy, calling the shootings a "monstrous and unforgivable crime.". "As Nathan Brutcher stepped out, gunfire erupted, Devlin said. We need your prayers.. "Wednesday night was shattering for the Bristol Police," said Col. Stavros Mellekas, the commanding officer of the State Police. He said he stuck his head outside his apartment window to get a better look. This culture of lawlessness must stop! the organization wrote on Twitter on Thursday. He lived in North Haven with his wife 2 kids and one on the way. Eric joined Connecticut Public in 2022 from KERA, the NPR/PBS member station in Dallas-Fort Worth. Iurato then fires a single shot, striking and killing Brutcher outside the house. (3/4). "There are certainly a lot of questions that we have and we're going to get the answer to them.". RELATED: First responders, police, officials offer condolences and support after 2 Bristol officers killed in the line of duty. Witnesses said they heard three sets of gunshots, about 30 in all. The district said mental health professionals had been stationed at each school Thursday to offer support to grieving students, employees and community members. I am devastated by the news that two Bristol police officers, Sgt. UPDATE: 3 officers were shot in Bristol OIS. ", "The men and women of Connecticuts law enforcement put their lives on the line every single day to keep the rest of us safe. "We send our condolences to their families & loved ones," the Yankees wrote on Twitter. Neighborhood resident Schalitda Strong told Connecticut Public that she heard a rapid series of shots. "What we thought was unimaginable became reality in less than a minutes time," Commissioner James Rovella said. "We will never forget their sacrifice to their city and this country.". Officers are paying their respects. WebFirefly Hollow Brewing, a rustic craft brewery based in Bristol, has announced that it has officially closed. Copyright 2022 WFSB. Sources have not clarified the nature or cause of the dispute. Police havent yet said who opened fire or how many guns were fired in all. He is currently recovering from his serious gunshot wound, Gould said. We've received your submission. He is survived by his wife and parents. Two women held signs reading "RIP BPD," with a large blue heart in the center. DeMonte was a 10-year veteran of the Bristol Police Department and co-recipient of his department's 2019 Officer of the Year award. The circumstances behind the shooting are unknown right now. They will be traveling on Route 6 then to Route 4. Devlin is still determining what can be released by his office, officials said. "I heard three rounds of 9 or 10 gunshots each.". Among those listening were friends and family of DeMonte and Hamzy. A scholarship has been created in honor of two Bristol police officers who were shot and killed while on duty last October. Younger brother Nathan Brutcher also was shot. Hamzy is survived by his wife, parents, and two sisters. She at first didn't know if someone was knocking on her door, but realized it was gunfire, she said. Dan Slisz, 34, remembered Hamzy as a good-natured man with a robust sense of humor. The divorced dad, described by neighbors as the rowdy one in his clan, had interacted with police at Bleachers Bar earlier Wednesday evening, sources told CT Insider. Spring & Summer at Mt. Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy. Susan Bysiewicz were expected to attend the vigil. Exclusive: Victims of former Waterbury mayor open, PD: New Haven man charged in Hamden murder, Hearing held on bill to reduce some pot convictions, NFL coach Brian Flores discrimination case going, PGA Tour moves toward elite field with no cuts for, Durant eager for Suns debut vs. Hornets after knee, Kane trade reinforces hard reality of Blackhawks, New MLB rules get mixed fan reaction after first, Fuchs Financial: The How to Retire Blueprint. "I never thought it was across the street.". No one sought a red flag risk warrant for authorities to seize firearms owned by the Brutcher brothers prior to the shooting, state judicial officials have said. Despite being wounded, Officer Alec Iurato shot and killed Nicholas Brutcher. Mike Lawlor, former undersecretary for criminal justice policy and planning in the administration of Gov. Southington: Adventure Awaits! Two of them died, according to police officials. Dustin DeMonte, 35, and Ofc. WebBRISTOL, Conn. Two police officers died, and a third officer suffered serious injuries late Wednesday in a shooting after they were lured to a Bristol, Connecticut, residence by a DeMontes former professors in the Criminology Department are struggling to make sense of this tragedy, like many of you. He is and was a warrior for his community.. Nicholas Brutcher, 35, the older of two brothers who state police believe set an ambush for cops Wednesday night, died of a gunshot wound to the neck that caused a spinal injury, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. WebBristol Police Sgt. Dustin Demonte and Officer Alex Hamzy already lay dead or dying after Brutcher ambushed the cops from behind, according to the video released Sunday by the This is heartbreaking. Connecticut State Police confirmed that two Bristol police officers were killed during the shooting. I heard a whole war going on behind me, said Danny Rodriguez, who said he was outside his home across the street when the gunfire rang out. Bristol police said Nicholas Brutchers address was known to them. Bristol police said one man was struck and is being treated at an area hospital for apparent non-life threatening injuries. My grandson, who is only 15 years old, he stands out there to wait for the bus, for the school bus. Those same sources say he was dressed in camouflage, hiding in the bushes, with an AR-15. Officer Alec Iurato, a 4-year veteran of the department, is a member of the patrol division. My heart bleeds, Caggiano told the TV station. Christine Jeltema, a spokesperson for the agency. According to a preliminary report released Oct. 16, Devlin concluded that Iurato was justified when he fired the single shot that killed Nicholas Brutcher. Lauzon said she was awakened by the sound of gunshots around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday. He loved his job. More than $420,000 had been raised as of Oct. 21. State Police has identified the suspects in the slaying of two Bristol police officers as Nicholas Brutcher, 35, and Nathan Brutcher, 32. The foundation "responds to immediate requests for assistance, to improve the lives of local families touched by tragedy, through matching the charitable donation of Gregs media audience," its website states. Hamzy died at the scene. DeMonte and Hamzy's deaths are the first Connecticut officer deaths since Lavery's nearly two decades ago. The guns seized by police were legally registered, including an AR-15, a semi-automatic rifle purchased and registered before the weapons were outlawed in Connecticut in 2013. There are no pending criminal charges listed against the Brutchers on the state judicial website. FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) Farmington and Bristol police are investigating a shooting on Camp Street Tuesday that left one injured. DeMonte and Officer Hamzy, and wounding Officer Iurato.. Investigators are interviewing neighbors, employers, witnesses and family members while also gathering all evidence connected with the shooting, she said. Thousands of police officers from around the country gathered Friday for a joint funeral for Hamzy and DeMonte at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Sgt. When the hearse carrying Hamzy's coffin drove by, shouts of "Thank you" burst from the crowd. and shots were fired," said Connecticut State Police Sgt. Iurato holds a bachelor of arts degree in government, law, and national security. Tami McBreairty said shed known Hamzy since he was 5 years old. While wounded, Iurato managed to make it around the home and took cover behind a police cruiser as more gunshots can be heard in the portion of his body-cam video released with Devlin's findings. The shooting also wounded Officer Alec Iurato, according to authorities. As Hamzy and DeMonte were talking with Nathan Brutcher at a side door of the home, Nicholas Brutcher popped out from behind the officers and began firing at them, Devlin said. Video: Watch body-cam footage from the scene (Warning: This footage includes violence and strong language.). In a separate statement, state Sen. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, said Connecticut stood behind the officers and their families. Nicholas Brutcher was a divorced father of two and a gun, hunting and fishing enthusiast, according to his social media pages. We send our deepest condolences are pray for them. These officers put themselves in harms way to keep their community safe and made the ultimate sacrifice. As you can imagine, Sgt. DeMonte and Hamzy both died of multiple gunshots to their heads and torsos, the state chief medical examiner's office said. Court records show Brutcher got a divorce in 2019. During the service, Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould said the two officers were the "epitome of excellence.". Iurato, 26, joined the Bristol department in 2018 and has a bachelors degree in government, law and national security. All rights reserved. Investigation into deadly Bristol police shooting continues, Investigation into deadly police shooting continues. In a statement, State Sen. Henri Martin, R-Bristol, offered thoughts and prayers for the community, sharing pain and dismay at the loss of the officers. Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould identifies the two police officers who were killed and third who was wounded in the shooting Wednesday night on Redstone Hill Road. Great personality funny sense of humor just someone u always wanted to be around. Hundreds of people congregated near the Bristol Police Station, 131 North Main St., Thursday evening at a second vigil for slain Bristol Sgt. He and his wife were expecting their third child, Gould said. Hamzy was an eight-year veteran of the department and had gotten many letters of commendation during his tenure on his hometown police force, the chief said. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. "You know we're trying to figure all that out," Gould said. Thats according to the Office of the Inspector General, who is investigating the case. He has so many amazing qualities. A little more than 30 seconds after that, two more shots are heard. That man said Nick Brutcher shot his younger brother, Nate Butcher, which led to the 911 call. "We stand with @BristolCTPolice as they mourn the loss of their heroes, Sergeant Dustin Demonte and Police Officer Alex Hamzy," the New York City Police Department said on Twitter. State Sens. And I went into my room because it sounded so close, I actually thought the shooting was happening in our complex, Strong said. But there were no openings on the force at the time. Demonte died at a hospital. Slisz said he had known Hamzy since the two were kids and the two had eventually taken a similar path. Both officers were posthumously promoted following their deaths. It was so intense that he could smell gunpowder in the air, he said. "This loss is beyond words," the district said in a statement. He loved his job. Technical Discussion: A couple of mild days before more precip to end the work week! DeMontes family in our thoughts.". ', 'Saturday Night Live' skit with Woody Harrelson takes place at Naval Submarine Base New London, 5 CT companies hiring for 100 or more positions, Bo Hickey, former New Canaan hockey, football coach and NFL player, has died. Sources close to the investigation told News 8 that Iurato was the only officer who returned fire, shooting Nicholas Brutcher in the neck. Around 10:45 last Wednesday night, the three Bristol officers responded to 310 Redstone Hill Road based on a 911 call believed to have been made by 35-year-old Nicholas Brutcher. He died from a spinal cord injury to his neck, according to the state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.