Police: Connecticut officers killed in ‘ambush’ after receiving fake 911 call

Three Bristol, Connecticut, police officers were shot on Wednesday night, in what police believe was an “ambush” related to a phony 911 call.

Police sources have suggested that the call could have stemmed from an incident where officers were called to a bar where a man was believed to be drunk and disorderly. Police issued a summons to that patron.

Police believe that the man returned home and armed himself with an AR-15 style rifle and proceeded to make a phony 911 call about a disturbance at his home.

A neighbor reported hearing an altercation just before officers arrived.

“I turned around to deal with the mailbox and when I took the key in, I heard the shots,” one neighbor said. “Pow pow pow pow.”  

“I heard a whole war going on behind me,” said Danny Rodriguez, who lived across the street.

As law enforcement arrived at the scene, the suspect, who has been identified as Nicholas Brutcher, took aim at the officers. Brutcher shot all three officers, killing two, before he was then shot and killed. Brutchner’s brother was also shot and subsequently transported to hospital.

The two officers killed during the altercation were Sgt. Dustin Demonte, 35 and Officer Alex Hamzy, 34. Officer Alec Iurato, 26 was critically wounded and was rushed to a hospital.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont posted the following statement on Twitter: “I am directing flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff effective immediately in honor of two @BristolCTPolice officers who were killed in the line of duty late last night while responding to an emergency call of domestic violence at a private residence in the town.”

He continued, “This is a senseless tragedy, and my prayers are with their families, loved ones, and fellow officers. I also ask the residents of CT to keep in their prayers a third officer who was shot 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 state.”

Hundreds of Bristol residents crammed into a local school auditorium on Wednesday night for a vigil to honor the two fallen officers.