STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE

WATERFORD POLICE SHOOTING

     On Monday June 8, 2009 at about 11:10 p.m. Waterford Police Department received a 911 call for help at a private home located at 8 Windy Ridge Place in Waterford, Ct.  It was reported that a person was upset and out of control.  Upon arrival at the residence two Waterford Police Officers met the complainant who stated that her son was in the residence and was out of control.

     Both Waterford Police Officers entered the residence and encountered the suspect in the house.  Both Officers attempted several times to calm and subdue the suspect.  The male suspect maintained his violent behavior and lunged at one Waterford Officer stabbing him with a knife. The second Officer immediately drew his service weapon and discharged it at the suspect seriously wounding him.

     The wounded Police Officer and suspect were treated by EMS at the scene. Both were transported to L & M Hospital in New London. The Police officer was treated and admitted suffering from a non life threatening stab wound.  At 2:46 a.m. the male suspect was pronounced dead.   

The crime scene was secured by Waterford Police. At the request of the Waterford

     Police Chief and the New London State’s Attorney the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad was assigned to respond to conduct the investigation into this police shooting.

    The Office of the Chief State’s Medical Examiner conducted a post mortem examination of the deceased to determine the manner and cause of death.  The deceased is identified as DESJON EDWARDS DOB: 11/30/81 of 8 Windy Ridge Place Waterford, Ct. 

   The Waterford Police officer stabbed in this incident is identified as Officer Robert Yuchniuk a 22 year veteran of the police department. He is recovering from his wounds.   The police officer involved in the shooting of the suspect is Officer Matthew Fedor who is a 4 year veteran of the department and is presently assigned to administrative duty pending the completion of this investigation.

The investigation is on-going.

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Lt. J. Paul Vance