The Windham State’s Attorney has released the names of the two police officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of a Berlin High School psychologist as they were responding to a report of domestic violence last week.
The shooting happened last Thursday night on Skyline Drive in East Hartford.
Officers responded to the home around 6:15 p.m. that night to investigate a domestic violence complaint and two officers who responded got into a struggle with the man who authorities described as the aggressor in the incident, officials said.
When a stun gun was not effective, at least one officer opened fire and struck John Carras, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.
A female victim has life-threatening injuries that police said appeared to be from domestic violence. She was also taken to the hospital.
Windham State’s Attorney Anne Mahoney identified the two officers who were involved as Officer Andre Lyew, who has been an East Hartford police officer since December 2018 and previously was a New Haven police officer; and Officer Daniel Zaleski, who has been an East Hartford police officer since December 2003.
The two officers were taken to the hospital Thursday night, one with injuries and one for evaluation.
Police said both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
East Hartford police said they had no previous record of domestic violence calls at the home.
On Friday, Berlin High School Principal Eileen Eustis sent a statement to families about the shooting.
“It is with much sadness that I share with you the passing of a BHS faculty member, Mr. John Carras,” Eustis said in a statement to families. “Mr. Carras served as our school psychologist for the past 11 years. We felt it was important to communicate this information with our parents and guardians should your child ask any questions or express concern.”
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Connecticut State Police and the state's attorney will investigate the shooting.
“We extend our condolences to the victims of this tragic incident and their loved ones. The State’s Attorney’s Office will be in contact with the surviving victims at the appropriate time to assure that they are kept aware of the progress of the investigation, the purpose of which by statute is to determine if the use of force was appropriate under the law,” Windham State’s Attorney Anne Mahoney said in a statement.
