New Haven Police said they have taken the lead in the investigation of the August 12th shooting that left one man dead and New Haven Police Captain, Anthony Duff hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.
Troy Clark was fatally shot on the night of Monday, Aug. 12 and Duff was shot while coming to his aid after hearing gunshots, police said.
After discovering Duff never fired his own weapon, Connecticut State Police have turned the investigation over to New Haven, as they continue searching for the shooter.
“We have a homicide and we have an officer who was shot. (This case) is very, very significant for this department,” said New Haven Police Interim Chief, Otoniel Reyes.
Police did not reveal much more information about the investigation, only to say they’ve made significant strides and that this case is a priority.
“We’re very grateful for the support and outpouring of information and we are very confident that we are going to be able to make an arrest on the person who did this very shortly,” added Reyes.
Meanwhile, just a week after being released from Yale New Haven Hospital, Duff returned to police headquarters Thursday, where he received a hero’s welcome during the department’s weekly COMPSTAT meeting.
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Duff used the opportunity to express gratitude to those who’ve helped him and his family since the shooting.
“I would just like to thank all the supporters from within the police department, from all over the city. From all over the country,” he said.
Although not back on the job yet, this temporary return was met with praise, recognizing Duff’s selfless attempt to stop the shooting. Duff, who was off-duty, was shot three times and remained hospitalized until last Thursday.
“To be confined to a hospital bed, for two weeks you get an entirely different perspective and I have a whole different appreciation for what goes on at that hospital,” said Duff, thanking the Yale New Haven staff for the care he received.
Late last week, just a day after being released from the hospital, Duff made another private appearance. He attended the funeral of Troy Clark.
“That was amazing and that was last Friday and he still wasn’t getting around that fast and he still made a point to go there say that he was sorry to the family,” said Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson.
Reyes called Duff’s actions heroic and said he epitomizes what New Haven’s officers are all about.
“When we look at him, we’re all inspired. We’re all motivated. It reminds us why we decided to do this in the first place,” said Reyes.
Assistant Chief Rene Dominguez agrees. “It brought us together,” she said, “This tragic, awful event really has brought this department together and I’m just so grateful that he’s back and walking around.
For those who work with Duff, his return was a welcomed and almost expected.
“When I saw him back today, it didn’t surprise me,” said Assistant Chief Herb Sharp. “It’s his purpose. It’s what he’s meant to do in life.”
