Two police officers were shot and killed and another was seriously injured by a gunman that authorities say called 911 and then lay in wait for the officers to arrive.
Two Bristol police officers are dead and another has been released from the hospital after surgery for serious injuries after they responded to a 911 call Wednesday night that state police said appears to have been a deliberate act to lure law enforcement to the scene.
After being kicked out of a bar, the suspect went home, got into a domestic disturbance with his brother, called 911 at 10:29 p.m. and then waited with an AR-15-style rifle for officers to arrive, sources close to the investigation tell NBC.
State police said in a news release Thursday afternoon that the preliminary information appears to point to the 911 call being a deliberate act to lure law enforcement to the scene.
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It happened on Redstone Hill Road. State police said during a news conference that one suspect was outside and shots were fired, fatally wounding 34-year-old Bristol police officer Alex Hamzy at the scene.
Sgt. Dustin DeMonte, 35, and Officer Alec Iurato, 26, were transported from the scene and DeMonte was pronounced dead, police said.
DeMonte was a married father of two with a third on the way.
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DeMonte was hired in 2012 and assigned to the patrol division. He was a school resource officer at Greene-Hills Schools. He was also an advisor for the Bristol police explorer cadet program.
He was a decorated law enforcement officer who received the Silver Star, officer of the month award and he was the co-recipient of the officer of the year award in 2019.
He had a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in psychology from Central Connecticut State University.
Hamzy, who was raised in Bristol, graduated from Bristol Eastern High School in 2006.
He was hired in 2014, was assigned to the patrol division and was also a cadet advisor. He received many letters of commendation and recognition.
"Today is a tragic day for our Bristol community. We offer our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the families and friends of Sergeant Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy and the entire Bristol Police Department during this very difficult time. We wish Officer Alec Iurato a full and speedy recovery. Thank you to all the brave men and women of the Bristol Police Department who serve and protect our community every day. You are true heroes and we are grateful for our partnership," said Dr. Catherine Carbone, Superintendent of Bristol Public Schools.
The injured officer has been identified as Alec Iurato, 26. He underwent surgery and is recovering, Bristol police said. He was released from the hospital Thursday morning.
Iurato was hired in 2018 and is assigned to the patrol division.
He has a bachelor of arts degree in government, law and national security.
State police said the suspect in the call police were responding to was fatally shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
State police identified the suspect as Nicholas Brutcher, 35, was also shot and pronounced deceased at the scene.
His brother was also shot and transported to a hospital to be treated for wounds.
State police are investigating.
A silent vigil and gathering will be held in Bristol tonight.
It will be at Bristol Eastern High School at 5:30 p.m.
The mayor's office also said a “Bristol Police Heroes Fund” has been established through the Bristol Police Union at Thomaston Savings Bank to support the families. Donations are being accepted at all branches and additional donation opportunities will be forthcoming.
To honor DeMonte and Hamzy, the governor is directing that U.S. and state flags in Connecticut be lowered to half-staff.
“The loss of two officers from the Bristol Police Department who were killed in the line of duty while responding to an emergency call of domestic violence is a senseless tragedy, and my prayers are with their families, loved ones, and fellow officers,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement.
“I also ask the residents of Connecticut to keep in their prayers a third officer who was shot while responding to this emergency and is currently in the hospital with serious injuries. This is a devastating reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day to protect our families and neighbors from all kinds of situations. These officers are heroes and will always be remembered for the honorable service they provided to their town and their state. This continues to be an active situation, and I’ve directed DESPP Commissioner James Rovella and the Connecticut State Police to support the Bristol Police Department and greater community in every way they can,” Lamont added.
The governor said the flags should be lowered immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.
Several law enforcement agencies responded to the shooting scene and maintained a large presence in the area into Thursday morning.
LifeStar helicopter crews said they responded to the scene, but did not transport anyone by helicopter.
A person who lives in the area told us he was playing tennis at Page Park when he heard gunshots.
"All we heard was sirens and then we heard the helicopter flying around from Page Park which is about two miles from here," Ted Krawiec said. “It’s scary, especially Bristol is, I mean, a peaceful town and it’s scary to hear something like this is happening here."
A large number of police officers were also at Bristol Hospital early Thursday morning. There was also a Bristol fire truck at the hospital with a large American flag hanging from its raised ladder.
Emergency responders held a procession to escort one of the two officers who died from Bristol Hospital to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. It traveled along Route 6 to Route 4.
A second procession was starting just after 11 a.m.
The school community is in mourning after losing members of the community, including one of their own.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of this morning from Bristol. Three Bristol police officers were shot overnight, two fatally, after responding to a call for assistance. As the details of this tragedy emerge, we will stand together in support of each other and our community at large. Over the coming hours and days, we will provide you with updates and additional information as it becomes available," Supt. Catherine Carbone posted in a message posted on the school department website.
"We offer our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the victims’ families and friends and the entire Bristol Police Department during this very difficult time," the message continued.
"As educators, we strive to create intellectually safe learning spaces that support our scholars as they process unsettling events. Our students are watching, listening, and learning. If your child needs any further support, our school psychologists, school counselors, and other social-emotional support staff are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Our district crisis team will continue to monitor the situation and support all students and staff as we learn more information."
A memorial is growing in Bristol as people pay their respects and drop off flowers and other items to show their respect.
Local lawmakers expressed their condolences.
“This is heartbreaking. Words cannot sum up our sadness and emotions. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Bristol Police Department, their families, and our entire law enforcement community. We will continue to pray for them all,” state Senator Henri Martin (R-Bristol) said in a statement.
