STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection Connecticut State Police Public Information Office James Rovella Commissioner Colonel Stavros Mellekas Deputy Commissioner Division of State Police FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2019 ***Connecticut State Police Investigate Officer Involved Shooting in Danbury*** Danbury, CT (July 8, 2019): On Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at approximately 11:00 a.m., State Police Central District Major Crime Squad (CDMCS) detectives were requested by Danbury State’s Attorney Steve Sedensky to assume the investigation of an officer involved shooting that occurred in the area of Old Ridgebury Road in the town of Danbury. Danbury Police Department dispatchers received several 9-1-1 calls (Refer to the attached audio) describing a disturbance at the McDonough House (MCCA), which is a treatment facility for those struggling with substance abuse. The accused, who was later identified as Aaron Bouffard (D.O.B: 04-11-1988), began assaulting individuals at this treatment facility. According to victims, Bouffard behaviors escalated as he began wielding 2 “butcher” knives in the vicinity of victims. Officers were immediately dispatched to the area of Old Ridgebury Road in an attempt to locate the suspect. Troopers out of Troop A-Southbury were also dispatched to the area to assist Danbury Police Department in locating the armed suspect roaming the vicinity. According to officers on scene, they encountered the suspect near a recreational soccer field walking towards them with the knives still in hand. Despite all attempts made by officers to verbally deescalate the incident, the suspect continued to advance towards officers refusing to adhere to any directives given to lay down the knives. An officer on scene fired several rounds at Bouffard, striking him in the thigh, pelvis area and finger. Medical aid was rendered immediately on scene and Bouffard was transported to Danbury Hospital and later transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital where he currently remains for further evaluation. The involved Danbury Police Officer has been identified as Officer Alex Relyea and is currently on paid administrative leave. Officer Alex Relyea was also involved in another use of force incident which occurred on December 29, 2018 where he was encountered by a male armed with a knife. In an attempt to mitigate this threat, Officers attempted to deploy a Taser which proved to be ineffective at controlling the subject. To prevent the imminent use of deadly physical force against themselves and any members of the public, Officer Alex Relyea discharged his service pistol at the subject. The subject was struck three times. Officers were then able to secure the scene, and rendered medical aid to those involved. Despite efforts, the subject in this December incident succumbed to his injuries. This use of force incident was investigated by Connecticut State Police – Western District Major Crime Squad (WDMCS) detectives who have since completed their investigative steps and submitted their findings to Stamford State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo on Friday, May 10, 2019. csp.pio@ct.gov @CT_State_Police www.facebook.com/connecticutstatepolice Phone: (860) 685-8230 Fax: (860) 685-8301 Email: despp.feedback@ct.gov An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, CT 06457 Website: www.ct.gov/despp Officer Alex Relyea has been a police officer with the City of Danbury since 08/06/2014. He has received multiple commendations, including a Meritorious Citation on 03/29/2015 for arresting three juveniles involved in numerous burglaries, a Letter of Appreciation for going above & beyond with patrol checks at Tarrywile Park due to suspicious activity that resulted in two prostitution arrests, and a Unit Citation on 03/02/2017 for his actions resulting in the arrest of a male who had been threatening several people with a loaded firearm. As it relates to the July 3rd use of force incident, no arrest has been made; however, charges for the suspect are pending. This incident is an ongoing investigation and as updates become available information will be disseminated accordingly. About the Connecticut State Police The Connecticut State Police, founded in 1903, is the largest law enforcement agency in the State of Connecticut. More than 1,100 troopers from eleven barracks and dedicated units patrol more than 7,000 miles of roadway and serve as the primary law enforcement agency for 79 towns in Connecticut, totaling 2,600 square miles. The agency has a variety of specialized resources which enhance the ability of Troopers to investigate and solve crimes, as well as assist local, state and federal agencies. The goal of the CSP is to deter and solve crime, promote highway safety and build relationships with the community through professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and equality. csp.pio@ct.gov @CT_State_Police www.facebook.com/connecticutstatepolice Phone: (860) 685-8230 Fax: (860) 685-8301 Email: despp.feedback@ct.gov An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, CT 06457 Website: www.ct.gov/despp