Published December 8th, 2020
A Waterbury, Connecticut police officer is recovering after being shot in the chest during an incident that occurred while arresting an individual for suspicion of auto theft. Waterbury officers were taking a suspect in a stolen vehicle investigation into custody when they noticed two SUVs revving their engines and driving at a high speed towards the officers, police said. The SUVs, which later turned out to be stolen, crashed into several police cars. During the incident, officers fired at the approaching vehicles, and in the crossfire one of the officers was struck in the chest by a round fired by another officer. The officer was wearing a ballistic-resistant vest, which police stated likely saved his life. A total of six suspects were taken into custody and charges are pending completion of an investigation. The injured officer was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated and released.
