Suspect Dead, 1 Shot In Branford Police Standoff

BRANFORD, CT — A police standoff in Branford Tuesday saw one person shot and ended with the suspect dead, officials said.

Police had the suspect barricaded inside a second floor apartment at 241 Main Street for hours.

While police declined to provide information on the suspect, Branford police Chief Jon Mulhern told Patch that there is no longer a threat to the public.

Mulhern said that shortly after the initial call about shots fired, "in the early stages" between 12:03 and 12:08 p.m. there was a "volley of gunfire." He said officers on the scene "did return fire."

"It's too early in the investigation to comment further," he said on a call with Patch. Mulhern said the New Haven State's Attorney is on the scene. He said there are "multiple crime scenes" being investigated and secured. He said the state police major crime squad is handing the investigation.

"It's a complex scene," Mulhern said. But noted that there is no longer any danger to the public but motorists can expect road closures "until further notice."

"We appreciate the patience and support of the community during this critical incident," Mulhern said, adding that the "Branford Police Department is thankful for the assistance of law enforcement partners."

How the active shooter incident began

Shots were fired just after 12 p.m. in the area of Main Street near Cherry Hill Road, officials said. The Branford Fire Department has transported one civilian to Yale New Haven Hospital with what is believed to be a non-life threatening gun shot wound. No other injuries are known at this time.

Police said that at noon, they got a report of shots fired in the area of Main Street and Cherry Hill Road area. When officers got there, they "encountered heavy gunfire" coming from the upper floors of a business/apartment building. Police said that a flurry of 911 calls reported a gunshot victim nearby. Police said that they "continued to face heavy gunfire and were pinned down until armored BearCat vehicles arrived."

Branford's police chief asked Patch to relay that the scene is "not safe" and pleaded with folks to steer clear. He said the South Central Regional SWAT Team has taken over the operation. The SWAT team is comprised of officers from Branford, North Haven, East Haven, North Branford, Guilford, and Madison.

"We're asking people to please stay out of the area," Mulhern told Patch, adding that updates will be provided "as we can."

Officials ask that people avoid Main Street from the intersection at West Main Street to Kirkham Street, Route 1 from Short Beach Road to Cherry Hill Road, West End Avenue to Bridge Street and North Harbor Street from Elm Street to Bradley Street.

Nearly two hours after the first reports came in, Branford police said, "Scene is still not safe, please assist us by staying away from the area."

At 1:30 p.m., police were stationed outside a Main Street location where the armed suspect is reported to be located on a second floor. Witnesses reported to Patch hearing a barrage of "rapid" gunfire.

At around 2:20 p.m., an eyewitness reported to Patch that a helicopter was flying over the scene as officers and tactical units could be seen near the area of Main and North Harbor streets.

East Haven police Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said his department is assisting Branford police. North Branford and North Haven police are also assisting.

Main Street is blocked off by police at the intersection of Route 146.

At 4 p.m., police tactical units, with two armored vehicles posted, were heard on a bullhorn trying to negotiate with the suspect, two witnesses told Patch. "We just want to talk to you," was heard.

Branford police are asking residents not to livestream the scene "For the safety of the officers and those in the area."

Earlier, the Connecticut Department of Transportation confirmed police activity in the area of Interstate 95 northbound at Exit 53 and the closure of the exit ramp.

State police said there was an "active threat" on Main Street, adding the highway exit was shut down and anyone traveling in or around the area should use alternate routes and avoid the area.

"The scene is active fluid & ongoing. Updates will provide will be provided when available," state police said.

Editor's note: At the request of police, Patch did not embed video seen on social media of tactical units engaging with suspect.