NBC

New Haven Police Captain Recovering After Being Shot

Police continue to search for the person who shot and killed one person in New Haven and shot an off-duty police captain.

On Tuesday afternoon, New Haven police officers stood shoulder to shoulder, shutting down Henry Street in the city to let the shooter know they’re going to find him and that they stand with the community against violence.

The shootings happened just before 9:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street.

The officer who was injured while responding to the shooting is Captain Anthony Duff, who has been with the New Haven police department for more than 20 years, was off-duty and on his way home when he heard the shots and intervened, according to city officials.

“I’m grateful to Capt. Duff, who is resting and healing and inspiring the rest of us with his courage and his sense of duty,” New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said.

News of the shooting came on a day that would normally be a celebration for his family. Duff’s daughter had given birth just hours earlier to his first grandchild.

Duff was wounded three times -- injured in the arm, chest, groin and back, according to the mayor.

He was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he went through surgery. As of 1 a.m. Tuesday, he was out of surgery and in the recovery room.

“Yesterday was a very difficult day for this department to hear one of our own struggling for his life when even off-duty he was honoring his badge, honoring his commitment, honoring his oath,” Interim Chief Ontoniel Reyes said during a media briefing Tuesday.

Police said they are working to identity the person who was murdered and trying to contact his family.

“Every single chief, every single commander, every single member of this department will be working this investigation,” Reyes said.

“I stand here with the men and women of this department to say to the individual who shot and murdered a community member on a street and the individual that almost murdered a police officer that we are going to expend every resource available to us to bring you to justice,” he added.

Police ask anyone with information about the shootings or who sees anything suspicious to call (203) 946-6316.

Contact Us