Police Release Name Officer in Police-Involved Shooting

State police are investigating after three Norwich officers were injured and one person was shot when police responded to a fight on Oneco Street in Norwich at 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

When police responded, they took Daniel Rivera, 20, of New London, into custody, but Fernando Velasquez fought with police and was shot, state police said.

Police said Velasquez was shot when a Officer Greg McDonald's gun discharged as officers struggled with Velasquez and tried to handcuff him. State police said they cannot say whether the gun was discharged accidentally or on purpose.

McDonald is a nine-year veteran of the department

Velasquez was taken to Yale- New Haven Hospital, underwent surgery and is expected to survive.

He was charged with assault on a police officer, interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct.

The injured police officers were taken to William W. Backus Hospital and are expected to be OK.

Police charged Rivera with interfering with police.

State police are investigating and have not released the names of the police officers involved.

Neighbors said this neighborhood near Norwich Free Academy is typically quiet, but things have started to change.

“It’s really scary to think this is going on in this neighborhood, but there’s been a lot lately,” Nora Borum said. “It didn't bother me because the police were here so quickly, but again there’s too many guns on the streets.”
 

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