Officer ID'd In Fatal Wethersfield Shooting

WETHERSFIELD, CT — The officer involved in a fatal shooting on Silas Deane Highway has been identified as Officer Layau Eulzier, commonly referred to as "Junior." He was hired in August 2018 and is a Wethersfield native who graduated from Wethersfield High School in 2010.

He holds an associates and bachelors degree and served in the U.S. Air Force from 2011 to 2017 where he was honorably discharged.

Officer Peter Salvatore was present during the incident, but didn't fire his weapon. He has been with the department for more than five years.

Neither officer has a record of discipline, said Chief James Cetran.

The officers tried to stop a vehicle on Saturday on the highway. The suspect vehicle and Wethersfield police cruiser collided. Eulzier exited his vehicle and the vehicle drove toward the him, State Police said. Eulzier then fired his weapon and hit Jose Vega Cruz, 18.

Cruz later succumbed to his wounds.

State Police and the State Attorney's office continue to investigate the incident.