State Police Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting at Backus

This just in from State Police Spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance:

On 08/28/12 shortly after 6:00 a.m. Norwich Police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the parking lot of the Backus Hospital.  Norwich Police Department officers responded to the scene, located the male subject seated in a car. The officers parked to block the suspect car.  As the Norwich officers were talking with the male subject (and) with a family member, the suspect suddenly backed into one of the cruisers and pulled forward driving at the officer and the family member.   The officer was able to push the family member out of harm's way and the officer drew his service weapon.  The suspect car mirror struck the officer and the Norwich officer discharged his weapon at the suspect striking him.

The Norwich police officer was treated at the scene and taken to Backus Hospital for non-life threatening injury.  The suspect was treated at the scene for non-life threatening gunshot wound.

Responding officers secured the scene. At the request of the Norwich police chief and State’s Attorney the State Police Major Crime Squad responded to conduct the investigation into this incident.

State Police Major Crime Detectives located and interviewed several witnesses and will process the scene collecting physical and forensic evidence.

The identities are being withheld at this time to allow for family notification.

The State Police are continuing this investigation.