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Branford Active Shooter Died of Self-Inflicted Wound

Branford Police say the male active shooter responsible for multiple rounds of gunfire from his second-floor vantage point at 241 Main St., creating a 7-hour stand-off on April 13, was found dead inside the building of a self-inflicted wound, according to preliminary information gathered during the ongoing investigation. The man's identity has not been released pending completion of an autopsy by the State Medical Examiner's Office.

Police did confirm the suspect was a Branford resident. At this time, no motive has been given for the active shooter incident. Police said they also received early information during the event that the suspect was alone in the building, with no additional suspects or individuals in the building. Police said negotiation with the suspect was attempted for "several hours" but contact was not made. The suspect was found dead at 6 p.m.

Branford Det. Lt. Dominick Eula said the suspect had "plenty of ammunition" and "mulitple caliber weapons" of "many styles" at his disposal, both long guns and hand guns. At this point in the investigation, he said at least some of those weapons are known to have been legally registered firearms. Police also checked the area for bombing material, which was not found, Eula said.

"Our investigation is currently in the early stages. There are many, many unknowns," said Branford Deputy Chief of Police John Alves, speaking at the press conference, which was posted for the public at the Branford Police Department Facebook page shortly after the brief conference at Branford Police Headquarters was concluded.

Discussing the active shooter incident as it took place on April 13, Alves said police were on the scene within 90 seconds of receiving the first 911 calls of shots fired, at approximately 12 p.m. Due to the professionalism of the force and responding agencies, as well as the cooperation of the public and bravery of citizens in the firing zone, the community came through the harrowing incident with no loss of life other than that of the suspect, said Alves.

The owner of a nearby package store who was struck by gunfire and taken to a hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening injuries was in stable condition as of April 14, according to police. Alves said the department hoped he would have a "speedy recovery."

While no officers or other civilians were injured, "...many other civilians were terrified and they were in the vicinity of the gunfire," said Alves.

A Difficult Day

"The number one priority of our agency is the safety of our community," said Alves. "Yesterday was a very difficult day for the town of Branford. We are very, very fortunate that more lives were not lost due to this incident. Our officers bravely responded to the report of an active shooter and were on scene in 90 seconds.  They were met with a barrage of heavy gunfire and officers on scene did return fire."

Alves said bullets struck and damaged many nearby vehicles and homes during the period of heavy fire, while initial responding officers worked to contain the scene and move citizens out to safety. He also said the immediate deployment of South Centeral Regional SWAT out of North Haven brought assistance quickly along with mutual aid from many area departments. Branford Fire Department also responded and aided during the incident.  Among other agencies noted for response assistance were the police departments of East Haven, Guilford, North Branford and New Haven Police, CT State Police and Homeland Security.

"I would like to thank all our partners who quickly and bravely responded to this incident," said Alves. "We thank the public for their cooperation yesterday, for their patience and those involved for their bravery."  

Police are also asking anyone involved who needs to speak to police, or has any information to share, to contact them at (203) 481-4241. Additionally, police encourage anyone who feels they are in need of counseling due to the incident to contact police or Branford Counseling & Community Center, which will provide free counseling services, by calling (203) 481-4248.

Alves also thanked the community for showing strong support to Branford Police during the incident and in the hours that have followed.

"There's been an outpouring of support which has been great for all our officers," he said.