THREE PEOPLE KILLED IN CHESHIRE INCIDENT

   On Monday, 07/23/07, Cheshire Police were notified via 911 by bank officials of a suspicious incident that had just taken place at the Bank of America which is located in the Maple Croft Plaza in Cheshire. 

   Cheshire Police dispatched personnel to the Maple Croft Plaza area and to the home of the possible victim in this crime located at Sorghum Mill Rd. in Cheshire.

   Upon arrival to the residence, police observed visible fire from the single-family structure and also observed two suspects exiting the house. Fire Service was dispatched to the scene.

   The first responding Cheshire Police Officer observed the two male suspects enter a vehicle parked in the victim’s driveway. The Officer attempted to stop the suspects and, while driving out of the driveway, the suspect vehicle rammed the first Cheshire police car. 

   The suspects entered Sorghum Mill Road, traveled a short distance, and were intercepted by two additional Cheshire Police Officers.  The suspects increased their vehicle speed and rammed the two Cheshire Police Cars. The suspect vehicle became disabled.  Both Cheshire Officers who had exited the patrol cars prior to impactwere able to access both suspects and take them both into custody at gunpoint.

   Another Cheshire Police officer made contact with a male victim who was able to exit the burning house. He was severely injured but was able to provide the police some information. This male victim was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. He is reported to be in serious but stable condition.

   Cheshire Police secured three crime scenes. The bank location Bank of America Maple Croft Plaza, the private residence located at Sorghum Mill Road, and the two accident scenes.

   At the request of the Cheshire Police Chief MICHAEL CRUESS, the State Police Office of State Fire Marshal, State Police Central District Major Crime Squad Detectives and the New Haven State’s Attorney have responded to work on this investigation with Cheshire Police.  

   The Cheshire Fire Department responded and suppressed the house fire. The Fire Service declared the fire scene under control.  Fire fighters discovered three bodies inside the residence.  Cheshire Police Officers secured the scene as a crime scene.

   Preliminary information obtained by Detectives indicates that the female victim went to the bank with one suspect andwithdrew money. Police were notified by bank officials of the suspicious withdrawal and police responded to the house.  Upon arrival at the house police encountered the two suspects attempting to flee from the house.  Upon entry into the fire scene three victims were found deceased inside  the residence.

   This will bean extensive investigation that will examine both the Fireand Crime Scene.

   The three deceased have been tentatively identified but their identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. A post mortem examination by the Office of The Chief State’s Medical Examiner of the deceased will be conducted to determine that manner and cause of death and to establish positive identification

   The two subjects are presently being booked on several criminal charges. It is anticipated that additional charges will be filed as this investigation progresses. 

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LT. J. Paul Vance